Kid Volunteer Spotlight: Gavin Jones

One thing that makes Lighthouse Family Retreat so special is that families serve together, and kids especially play a key role on the volunteer team. They not only get to serve in the traditional sense—carrying plates, cleaning spaces—but their most important role is hanging out with all the other kids and creating a fun, welcoming environment for the kids of the Retreat Families. We thought it would be fun to interview some of these rock stars and share their insight and experience with you!

HOW OLD ARE YOU? 16

HOW MANY RETREATS HAVE YOU ATTENDED? 14

WHO USUALLY COMES TO SERVE AT LIGHTHOUSE WITH YOU?

I always go with my family, Kelly, Brad, and Taylor. I love bringing my good friend Jace with me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT AT LIGHTHOUSE, AND WHY?

Flip Flop is my favorite event at Lighthouse. I love spending time with kids my age—whether they are Family Partners or a Retreat Family, it’s always a great time. Playing in the pool or sports with everyone always brings us together.

TELL ME ABOUT A FRIEND YOU MADE AT LIGHTHOUSE. WHO WERE THEY? HOW DID YOU CONNECT? WHAT DID YOU LIKE TO DO TOGETHER? ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH?

I have made a ton of amazing friends at Lighthouse. One, in particular, is Grant Hammet. He was a sophomore in high school and is now 19. My family wasn’t serving him, but I met him through Flip Flop. I, of course, got him out in Nine Square...a lot. We would also hang out at Midnight Munch—a late-night gathering for teens. I still see him twice a year and am always talking to him.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM ANY LIGHTHOUSE TRIP YOU'VE TAKEN.

My favorite memory from Lighthouse is when I was saying “see you later” to the little girl I was serving, and she kept giving me hugs. She would keep coming up and say “one more hug”—so precious.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU DO WELL AT LIGHTHOUSE? WHAT GIFTS/TALENTS/QUALITIES DO YOU PERSONALLY BRING TO THE TEAM?

I feel like I bring a ton of energy to the team. I can play, fall, run around, and jump around with the little ones, but I can also have fun with the older kids and really connect with them.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR LIFE IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE YOU'VE SERVED AT LIGHTHOUSE?

My life is different from Lighthouse because I see all the pain in the Retreat Families—then just after one week you can see that sadness go away, everyone feels like family, and there is truly this amazing presence within everyone’s hearts. When I am struggling, I think about how lucky I am, and through God and amazing friends I can feel the joy Lighthouse brings.

WHY WOULD YOU TELL OTHER KIDS THEY SHOULD COME SERVE AT LIGHTHOUSE?

I would tell other kids to come to Lighthouse because it is my favorite place in the whole world. 52 weeks and I could do anything in those, but Lighthouse is my favorite one.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

There’s nothing better than Lighthouse.