Adele Borne is a freshman at Louisiana State University studying Biological Engineering/ Pre-Med. She is originally from Baton Rouge, LA. While at LSU, Adele is involved in the community as a gymnastics coach. Adele has been coming to Riverview for 9 years, and as a member of our staff she has taught gymnastics, archery, and tennis. When asked “What has Riverview done for you?” Adele responded: “Riverview has helped me find a source of independence and comfort within myself. Each year I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone and learning that I am capable of anything. I always leave Riverview with a happy heart and so much love to share.”

Ann Kay Alexander is a sophomore at The University of Alabama studying Biology. She is originally from Mobile, AL. At Alabama, Ann Kay participates in the Honors College, Emerging Scholars Program, and Chemical Engineering Research with Dr. Margaret Liu. Ann Kay also participates in the Discovery Buddies Afterschool Mentoring and BamaCru, where she is part of the Multiply Leadership Team. She is a member of Chi Omega Fraternity and is a new member educator. Ann Kay has been coming to Riverview for 12 years, and as a member of our staff she has taught ropes course, cheerleading, and gymnastics. When asked the question: “What has Riverview done for you?” Ann Kay responded: “As a camper, Riverview taught me how to be independent. At camp I learned how to step outside of the comfort of my home life to practice a daily routine on my own, learned to make decisions for myself, and most importantly learned how to make new friends in a different environment. As my years as a camper continued, I benefited year-round from valuable friendships that I have carried with me since my first year at camp. I still hold many of these friendships close to me today. As an older camper, I learned valuable leadership skills and what it means to be accountable to a larger group through the opportunity of being a tribe leader. As a member of the Riverview Staff, I have learned a whole new level of responsibility. As a counselor living in cabins with teenage girls, I learned a lot about what it means to be a role model and the gravity of this role. In hindsight, I realize how large of an impact my counselors have had on me as a young woman and have tried to make this same impact on the girls I’ve had the privilege of working with. Being a Senior Counselor has taught me to live by example and that I am accountable for my actions and attitudes 24/7. As a member of Riverview’s Leadership Team this past summer, I was able to more fully grasp the vast impact Riverview has had not only on my life, but continuously on the lives of everyone it touches. It is impossible to come to Riverview and not feel the overwhelming presence of love. Whether you’ve been at camp one day or 15 years, girls of all ages find a home away from home in an environment equipped to nurture personal and spiritual growth. Above all else, Riverview has given me a stable foundation upon which to build my faith for the past 12 years. Riverview is where I first learned of a true relationship with Christ through both His presence on campus and His work through the lives of my counselors. Riverview is where I knew, no matter what happened throughout each year, I would find the same grounded faith I was able to build upon year after year. After maturing into my oldest years as a camper and transitioning onto staff, Riverview has given me the courage to live boldly for Jesus. I can say without a doubt I would not be the person I am today without the influences and relationships Riverview has placed in my life and my experiences there.”

Caroline Trammell is a freshman at Furman University studying Biology/Pre-Med. She is originally from Baton Rouge, LA. At Furman, Caroline participates in Heller Service Corps, Furman Futures, Furman STEM Mentors, and is a volunteer at the Greenville Humane Society. Caroline has been coming to Riverview for 11 years, and as a member of our staff has worked on the ropes course and as a lifeguard. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?" Caroline responded: "I think the greatest thing that Riverview has done for me is given me the confidence to try new things. As a camper who only had two weeks at camp, I learned confidence as I made new friends and tried new activities. As a counselor, I gained confidence as a leader and caregiver for my campers. I learned to trust myself with greater responsibility and pressure, and realized my passion for working with kids. I go to college almost 700 miles and 11 hours away from home, and I honestly believe that I would not have been able to do it without the confidence I gained from Riverview."

Emily Talka is a sophomore at Auburn University studying Public Relations and Marketing. She is originally from Tampa, FL. At Auburn, Emily is an SGA Gameday Experience Committee Member, a Beat Bama Food Drive Committee Member, and she volunteers with the Lee County Humane Society. Emily has been coming to Riverview for 12 years, and as a member of our staff she has taught gymnastics, arts and crafts, and riflery. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?" Emily responded: "Riverview has been my home away from home for over a decade. Going away to camp each summer has prepared me for being away from home at college. Riverview helped me learn the skills and attributes that have prompted me to be a successful college student. I will always be grateful for the incredible people who have been placed in my life through Riverview. They will always be my life-long friends."

Nicole Parente is a sophomore at The University of New Mexico studying Speech and Hearing Science. She is originally from Montgomery, AL. At New Mexico, Nicole is a member of Chi Omega and plays rugby. Nicole has been coming to Riverview for 13 years, and as a member of our staff has taught archery, riflery, ropes course, canoeing, chorus and drama, voice and music, and is a lifeguard. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?" Nicole responded: "Riverview has given me a home away from home. I can honestly say that I believe that I would not be as successful in my life without it. Through my time at Riverview, I have learned independence and how to make true, long lasting friendships. Riverview is a place that I can always count on. I know that anytime I am there, I am truly happy."

Lucy Mostellar is a sophomore at Auburn University studying Pre-Business. She is originally from Mobile, AL. At Auburn she is involved in Auburn University Dance Marathon, Students of Auburn Recruiting- Tigerette, Impact Volunteer, and she is a member of Phi Mu social sorority. Lucy has been coming to Riverview for 9 years, and as a member of our staff has taught archery and ropes course. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?" Lucy responded: "When I came to Riverview at age 9, I was shy and introverted. I asked if I could go to camp and my mom instantly thought it was a great idea, hoping it would help me come out of my shell. When I was dropped off, I cried because I didn’t want to stay, but two weeks later, I was crying because I just did not want to go home. Riverview taught me how to get out of my comfort zone and really put myself out there. Now, I’m almost 20 years old and have some of the strongest friendships thanks to camp. My freshmen year of college, I roomed with girls I met at Riverview and I honestly don’t know how I would have survived without them. Camp friends share a special bond that no one can really understand. The amount of road trips I have made over the years to visit camp friends are endless. We’re more than just friends; we’re like sisters. Riverview is a place that I can call home. No matter where my life takes me, I know that Riverview is a constant and will always be there calling me back."

Rebecca Martin is a sophomore at Georgia College studying Special Education. She is originally from Atlanta, GA. At Georgia College, Rebecca is a member and recruitment assistant of Zeta Tau Alpha, GC Prowlers Running Club, and fundraises for breast cancer education and awareness. Rebecca has been coming to Riverview for 13 years, and as a member of our staff has taught gymnastics, cheerleading, outdoor living skills, riflery, ropes course, and Riverview Refinement. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?" Rebecca responded: "I started camp at seven years old, and was immediately hooked. I have been at Riverview for thirteen years, as a camper for ten years and three years as a counselor. After my first summer, I was hooked on camp and I looked forward to the next year as soon as my parents picked me up on closing day. I grew up at Riverview, and it made me into a strong, independent, and humble woman. It gave me the opportunity of leadership, which has helped me succeed goals within my education and community. My faith has grown every year, as a camper and counselor, which I am thankful for everyday. The most treasured and valuable part of Riverview is the friendship. It is difficult to explain how a group of women that I see only one time of the year can know me better than I know myself, inspire me to achieve anything I set my mind to, someday I wish to have them as bridesmaids. These rare friendships, whether they began when I was seven or nineteen, are the greatest blessing of all. Riverview is my safe haven and family; it is my favorite place in the world."

Lilly Johnson is a sophomore at Louisiana State University studying Entrepreneurship. She is originally from Baton Rouge, LA. At LSU, Lilly is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and Outdoors Club. Lilly has been coming to Riverview for ten years, and as a member of our staff she has taught archery, tennis, ropes course, arts and crafts, and Riverview Refinement. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?" Lilly responded: "Riverview has done a lot for me in the past 10 years. It has helped me to become more independent by being away from my parents for multiple weeks at a time at a young age. When I was 9 my mom asked me if I wanted to go to camp, and I said “not really”, but she signed me up anyway. I was a little afraid at first but I ended up having the time of my life. The friends that I have made at camp are definitely friends for a lifetime. I would keep in touch with them throughout the school year and all we could talk about was how excited we were to return to camp that next summer, what activities we plan on doing, and what cabin we think we might be in next. We were always so excited when the day had finally come that we could all be with each other again. I always looked up to all of my counselors and was very sad to not be a camper anymore once I got older, but being a counselor is just as fun and very rewarding because I get to watch these girls go through so many fun experiences, just as I did at their age. I still keep in touch with a great deal of my friends from camp and have many opportunities now to visit them at their colleges or hometowns for football games and holidays! Riverview has been a part of my life for a very long time now and will always have a special place in my heart. "

Sarah Neal Secrest is a sophomore at Texas Christian University studying Biology/Pre-Med as well as Spanish for Health Professions and Psychology for Leadership. She is originally from Jackson, MS. At TCU, Sarah Neal participates in the Student Government Association, Chancellor’s Leadership Program, Young Life, Reformed University Fellowship, Chi Omega Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society, and Global Medical Training. Sarah Neal has been attending Riverview for 10 years, and as a member of our staff she has taught outdoor living skills, dance, arts and crafts, and is a lifeguard. When asked "What has Riverview done for you?” Sarah Neal responded: "To articulate what Riverview has done for me is not an easy task, as Riverview played a large role in shaping me into the person I am today. Riverview gave me a home away from home, where I could find true rest, joy, and love, while drawing closer to God. Throughout the Bible, mountains are seen as holy places where people explicitly experience and have encounters with God. For me, Lookout Mountain became a place where I had the ability to get up close and personal with God, escaping the loud and busy world surrounding me down in the valley. The counselors that loved on me, the freedom I had to choose how I spent my day, the scripture I studied with my friends, the innocent joy we experienced, just being kids living as kids, as we were created to live, are all things Riverview provides for campers. Seeing the beauty of life in nature, in campfires, in songs, in competitions, in stories, in activities, in rain, in searching for the buffalo rattle, and in friendships are all things I cherish about Riverview. On top of all of this, Riverview gave me my best friend in the entire world.As a young girl, it is always fun to have your camp friends from different states, and different walks of life. Camp is a great way to connect to other believers and girls with similar interests as you. As time went on, my camp friends became my rocks. When times were tough at home, it was always my camp friends I turned to. They experienced life with me at camp and we always wanted those few weeks of our year to be our reality. There was always something special about life at Riverview. The community we experienced is how I believe God intended for us to live in community with each other. The peace, rest, joy, encouragement, and love poured over us at Riverview is something we grasped on to as campers. God’s exuberant love fills this special camp in Mentone, Alabamain a way that words cannot express. As years have gone by, my only friend that has stood the test of time, being my friend for now 10 years, is my best friend from Riverview. We are now 600 miles apart, both pursuing our dreams to become physicians one day, and both pursuing ministry, are walking through life together as friends and sisters in Christ. I would not be who I am today, if I had not spent every summer since I was 10 years old up on Lookout Mountain, learning more about who I am and Whose I am. Riverview holds a special place in my heart and I am forever grateful for everything it has done for me.”

Caroline Holley is a junior at Furman University studying Elementary Education. She is originally from Albany, GA. At Furman, Caroline plays club tennis, is a Furman Ambassador, and is a member of Tri Delta Sorority. She also tutors and mentors at-risk students. Caroline has been coming to Riverview for 11 years, and as a member of our staff she has taught tennis, ropes course, and Riverview Refinement. When asked the question, "What has Riverview done for you?” Caroline responded: "Riverview has done wonders for me, more than I could have ever imagined or asked for. Camp is part of who I am and it has helped me become who I want to be in life. Because of Riverview Camp, I have a second home and family that I look forward to seeing each summer. Riverview has helped me become more outgoing, flexible, and confident in myself as I have learned to work as part of a team. Most importantly, Riverview has strengthened my faith in God. At Riverview, there is no stress from the "outside world/reality,” thus I am able to focus on what is truly important in life as I always gain a fresh, new perspective at camp. Riverview is extraordinary and has blessed my life in so many way. I will be forever thankful to my time with Riverview Camp.”

Abby Hayes is a freshman at Louisiana State University majoring in Pre-Veterinary Sciences. She is originally from Baton Rouge, LA. At LSU, Abby is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Pre-Vet Club, and Pan-Hellenic Council. Abby has been coming to Riverview for 11 years, and as a member of our staff she has taught tennis, voice and music, Riverview Refinement, and is a lifeguard. When asked "What does Riverview done for you?" Abby responded: "Riverview has given me opportunities for growth and leadership and a support system that has carried me into college. I've gone to Riverview since I was seven years old and it has shaped me into who I am. I've made friends from all over the country that I keep in touch with weekly. We share what is going on in our lives and we constantly comfort each other in the struggles that we face. Knowing that I have good friends that truly care about me is so comforting and without Riverview I would not have made these connections. Additionally, Riverview has provided me with a home away from home. For 11 years, Riverview has been a refuge for me to get away from life's daily stresses. It gives me a place where I can comfortably grow in my faith in Christ. It has not only shaped who I am now, but also who I plan to be for the rest of my life. Through the years, Mrs. Susan and Mrs. Donna have become like second mothers to me. During camp, they are always there to help and have truly invested so much in me. It inspires me to see people like Mrs. Susan and Mrs. Donna because it makes me want to be like them. The amazing impact that Riverview has left on me encourages me to try to leave the same impact on people that I meet outside of camp. I always try to replicate the unconditional love I have received from Mrs. Susan and Mrs. Donna. I am very thankful for what Riverview has done for me. In my daily life, I often times find myself wishing I could be at camp. The love and joy I feel while I am at Riverview constantly draws me back. Nothing else in my life has shaped me more into who I am now than the role models and friends I have gained from Riverview and it is something I will cherish forever."