Camp Ch-Yo-Ca was a nondenominational Christian camp located in the piney woods of North Louisiana in Calhoun, near West Monroe. The Robertson family of the A&E television show "Duck Dynasty," was deeply invested in the camp, drawing numbers of campers and counselors to Ch-Yo-Ca. Junior Amy Wilson worked at Ch-Yo-Ca for two summers and observed the impact the Robertsons' fame had on the camp. "I definitely think that their fame has some effect on camp, especially this past summer with the huge increase of numbers," Wilson said. "The Robertson family has done some really amazing things for the camp." During the summer, the Robertsons hosted a rifle competition and donated the money they raised to the camp. Because Wilson worked directly with Willie and Korie's kids, she had the opportunity to meet the Robertsons and said they were kind and genuine. Though the Robertsons' affiliation with Ch-Yo-Ca drew many to the camp, the camp staff intended to enrich the lives of campers, counselors and staff by bringing them closer to Christ. David Bromley, a member of the camp board of directors, worked for his 10th summer at Ch-Yo-Ca and had worked with Wilson for two summers. Bromley was Wilson's initial contact with the camp. As afreshman in the Harding Chorus, Wilson traveled to West Monroe, La., to perform. She met Bromley, who suggested she apply to work at the camp. "Amy has brought a great deal of energy and life to all those she works with," Bromley said. "Her passion for life infects all those around her, staff and campers alike. The cool thing is she stays in touch throughout the year. It's not just a summer job for her." Several of Wilson's older campers joined her at Harding as students. Freshman Morgan Blazier was one of Wilson's campers and had the opportunity to work on senior staff with her in the summer. "Amy has taught me that we are all imperfect people serving a perfect God," Blazier said. "Any time I have ever needed her, she has always been there for me to comfort and love on me like Jesus would." For Wilson, seeing her campers at Harding was a reminder of her love for Camp Ch-Yo-Ca. "I love being able to see my campers here on campus because it makes it feel like camp away from camp," Wilson said. "Those girls have just had such an impact on my life that getting to share a place like Harding, which is so near and dear to my heart, is the best feeling in the world." Wilson had to overcome physical injuries to be an encouragement to her campers and fellow counselors. Born with hyperextension, Wilson's ligaments and tendons became easily stretched. During camp, her kneecaps shifted out of place, resulting in a significant knee injury. Though many would have pac~ed up and gone home, Wilson finished the camp session in a knee brace. According to sophomore Blake Allen, Wilson's cocounselor at Ch-Yo-Ca, her injury did not dampen her spirits. "At one point during training, before camp started, [Amy] injured one of her knees pretty badly; however, it didn't slow her down at all," Allen said. "Nothing could have stopped this girl from serving God and being a blessing to her campers." Initially when she met Bromley, Wilson intended to work at a different camp but did not get the job. Wilson decided to begin her journey with Camp Ch-Yo-Ca, a decision that formed her relationship with God, children and her peers. "As soon as I pull out of that driveway, I'm already wishing for the next summer," Wilson said. Kristina Kiser "When they are struggling and ask me to pray for them, it makes me feel like I'm doing something right as a counselor." Junior Amy Wilson
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