Kid Volunteer Spotlight: Leighton Thorp

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?

12

HOW MANY RETREATS HAVE YOU ATTENDED? 9

WHO USUALLY COMES TO SERVE AT LIGHTHOUSE WITH YOU?

I serve at Lighthouse with my mom and dad.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT AT LIGHTHOUSE, AND WHY?

Nine Square—it is fun! Then Flip flop—fun while spending time with our Retreat Family.

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?

Ethan, our Retreat Family’s child from 9 years ago—we liked swimming together. We served together a couple years ago and plan to serve together again. Ethan was so excited to give back to another family!

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

One year at an UnBirthday Party... It was amazing, fun, we got to run around, eat pizza, dance, and have fun. I got to put every topping on my ice cream sundae!

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

Playing with others and helping them forget about cancer, and helping serve food!

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

I have learned kindness and how to serve other people!

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

It is fun to do, and you can make new friends!

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

Lighthouse is amazing, and everyone should try it!