Jackie Bywater and Julie VanHove became close friends while serving on summer Staff from 2001 to 2004, a bond that has remained strong for over 20 years. Following their Staff years, they even shared an apartment together in Chicago to start their professional careers, and they now enjoy vacationing together with their families at Camp Arcadia, reminiscing about their Staff days and experiencing the joy of being served by the current Staff.
Both Julie and Jackie are deeply grateful for their friendship and recognize that it wouldn’t have happened without serving on Staff. Julie shared, “What sets Staff friendships apart from others is that you get to know each other completely as you are. You see each other at your best and at your crabbiest. You see each other being challenged and at times failing. You see each other’s hearts.”
Jackie thought her time on Staff was done after three summers and was focused on business internships. But Julie was determined to have one more summer with her best friend. That winter in 2004, Julie launched a secret mission: she meticulously scanned photos and created a custom slide show on a VHS tape. She mailed the tape to Jackie and a few others with a cryptic instruction: “Play Me – Don’t ask questions just do it!”
Julie’s plan worked: the slideshow convinced Jackie and the other Staffers to return for their 4th summer. “I still remember receiving the VHS tape in the mail,” Jackie recalled. “After watching it, I knew that I needed one more summer on Staff. I have never regretted this decision. For me, my Staff years were filled with so many unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.'”
Looking back, you realize just how precious your years on Staff were. These are formative years as you begin adulthood and figure out your life plans. Serving on Staff provides an incredible opportunity for personal and spiritual growth—it’s a place to challenge yourself, learn to serve with joy, make enduring friendships, and strengthen your faith.
Interested in serving on Staff? Applications for 2026 summer Staff open December 1!
