Haven McLemore grew up attending Bellevue, and as a student, summer camps like Camp Ocoee were the highlight of her summers. She was once a middle schooler sitting in the crowd, but this year, Haven came back as a leader—serving in the ministry she grew up in, the one that helped equip her to pour into other students’ lives. She has seen firsthand how camp can be a life-changing experience when it’s centered on the Gospel.
“Bellevue has always been intentional about making camp more than just fun,” Haven said. “It’s about creating space for students to meet Jesus—either for the first time or in a deeper way.”
It was at Bellevue’s 4th and 5th Grade Camp during her 5th grade year that Haven gave her life to Christ. Though she had grown up in the church and knew all the right answers, it wasn’t until a Ministerial Assistant (MA) asked her one key question—“Do you have a relationship with God?” That question changed everything.
“I realized I had the religion but not the relationship,” Haven said. “That night, I surrendered my life to Christ.”
That moment marked the beginning of a faith journey that has come full circle. This summer, during one of the most powerful worship services of the week, the students were invited to come to the front of the room and receive prayer over any burden they had. Haven, with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude, prayed over these students just like how she had been prayed over several years ago.
“I remember looking at them and just bawling,” Haven said. “To be on the other side now—it was so surreal.”
Throughout the week, Haven walked with her group of middle school girls as they navigated camp highs and spiritual questions. The theme for the week was Believe(r), based on John 1:12–13, which invited students to reflect on what it truly means to be a follower of Christ—not just in word, but in action and identity.
“I told my girls, ‘If you really want to be a believer, you’re going to have to be different,’” Haven said. “You’re not called to be of the world.”
While camp is packed with fun—from lake time to team competitions—the quiet moments of reflection and prayer are what Haven says leave the most lasting impact.
“Middle school is such a key time,” Haven said. “They’re about to head into high school and face so much pressure. If they don’t build a strong relationship with Jesus now, it only gets harder later.”
As the week wrapped up and the buses rolled back to Bellevue, Haven left Camp Ocoee with a full heart—grateful for what God did in the lives of the students and in her own life.
“I’m just so thankful I get to be part of this,” she said. “Not because I’ve got it all together, but because God is good and He uses willing hearts. I’m living proof that He finishes what He starts.”
What began as a quiet surrender in the back of a crowded worship room has transformed into a bold step forward in faith—Haven is now leading others through the same process of discovery and commitment. She has become the kind of leader she once looked up to—someone who is compassionate and deeply rooted in her beliefs.
“My middle school self wanted so badly to be an MA one day,” Haven said. “I probably didn’t believe I’d be good enough. But now, to be that person for someone else—it’s just incredible to see how faithful God has been.”
To learn more about how Bellevue is discipling the next generation in their faith, visit bellevue.org/next-gen.