How did you learn about French Camp Academy? When I was 14 years old and in the 8th grade, I came to school at French Camp Academy as a residential student. It was kind of a tough time. I lived with my mom previously and had just gotten out of her house. My mom was on a lot of drugs and she was an alcoholic, so most of the time I was left at the house alone. I learned how to fend for myself at a young age. I remember coming home and her not being there, because she worked a 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. job. And she wasn’t there when I woke up in the mornings. She would leave work and go hang out with her friends. I was just by myself. I turned to drugs and alcohol. That was all I knew. She was my influence; she was what I had.
My cousin came here before I did and told me about French Camp. I came the summer before my 8th grade year and really fell in love with everything that French Camp was.
What has it been like living in a student home? While at FCA, I have had 4 sets of house parents with each having different parenting styles. It was a blessing to have been exposed to different ways of teaching and essentially “raising” us. It has been especially sweet to have that motherly and fatherly love come from those who are not your real family. I have loved having the opportunity to have been loved by these wonderful people.
What about academically? All the teachers are great. They really love their job, and you can tell. A lot of students look at our teachers as mentors. One of the great things about our teachers is they are so intentional. They are encouraging and caring, and they really give and feed into your life spiritually. They want to spend time with you. They want to be there for you and that is something that is unique about French Camp. And that speaks volumes.
What do you like about French Camp? Spiritually it is the people, or God’s Church. Each person at FCA has brought something valuable to the table. It is exactly what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12. We are the body composed of many parts. It is a blessing to have seen that lived out. God has used so many people in my life and to help me spiritually. I am sure God will use me, if he has not already, to speak to others as well.
If you could summarize in your own words, what would you say? French Camp is such a special place. Once you have learned the routine and you lean into that, you want to be here. You take what French Camp offers and you run with it. You are given the opportunity of learning social interaction. You are put here not by your parents, not by your guardians, but by God. And He has done so many amazing things through me and through other people for me, and French Camp.
French Camp is a loving, huge home full of friends and family that you are never going to forget. Ever. And that’s why I love French Camp.
Jordan is a senior at French Camp Academy making plans to join the Navy after graduation. To see and hear Jordan’s full testimony of God’s grace go to http://www.frenchcamp.org.