The Impact of Community Wake Events

This past week has been a great reminder of how faith and action sports come together in the most meaningful ways through JSAW’s wake program.

Last Wednesday, Jonny spoke at Wooddale Church’s youth group lake day. With over 60 students in attendance, he shared stories from the action sports world and encouraged the group to live out their faith boldly, not just at church or youth group, but in the middle of whatever passions and communities they’re part of.

Then yesterday, I got to experience something that really stuck with me.

Avery, one of our staff members and a professional wakeboarder, and I spent the day at Mobile Hope’s AWOL Camp on Fish Lake in Maple Grove. The event brought together kids from all kinds of backgrounds for a week of connection, fun, and growth. We were invited to do a wakeboarding demo, but it quickly became something more. Before hitting the water, Avery shared her story; how following Jesus has shaped her identity, both on and off the board. She talked about what it means that God delights in us, not because of our performance, but because of who we are. Then she got out there and showed the campers what’s possible on a wakeboard, doing flips and spins that left them cheering and wide-eyed.

After the demo, we took a group of seven kids out on the boat. For some, it was their first time ever on a lake, and their excitement was contagious. As we cruised across Fish Lake, they asked questions, laughed, and soaked it all in. At one point, I overheard one camper ask another what their favorite part of the week had been. With a huge grin, the answer came quick: “Going on the boat.”

That moment said it all.

These kinds of experiences only happen because of the generosity of people who believe in JSAW’s mission. When you support this work, you’re helping make space for authentic moments where kids feel seen, encouraged, and introduced to the love of Christ right in the middle of the lake. Will you donate to the wake program?

DONATE TO THE WAKE PROGRAM