Jonathan Frelix is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a talented musician, and a regular at The Salvation Army’s Camp Hidden Lake. He first attended the main camp three years ago and returned the following two years for the 4-week Music Conservatory camp. Last year he added Ropes Course Instructor to his list of accomplishments, where he made sure campers not only navigated the ropes safely, but also encouraged them and built up their confidence. We caught up with Jonathan for a quick interview about his Camp Hidden Lake experience. Here’s what he had to say.

Q: How did you first come here and why did you come back as a counselor?
I came because, I mean, I don’t have the best home, so this was a great place for me to come to. And I did enjoy the vespers and devotionals. It helps you grow as a person.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a ropes course instructor?
Encouraging kids that are very terrified to do it because they believe that they can’t do it. But after they do it they realize it wasn’t that bad after all. Showing them that fear can’t control your life, it can only control as much as you let it.

Q: What does the future hold for you?
Trying to grow more with music, to be good enough to even start teaching.

Q: What inspires you? What is it about music?
There’s a certain feeling that you can’t explain. It’s kind of like love. It’s not words you can just say, but it’s a great feeling when music flows through and it goes to everyone’s heart.

Q: What can you tell people about what goes on at Camp Hidden Lake?
The primary goal is getting kids closer to God and giving them a safe place to have fun and relax. The people here are great, loving.

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Camp Hidden Lake is run entirely by donations and no child ever has to pay for anything during their stay at camp. To give kids like Jonathan the life-changing gift of summer camp, donate here!