Written By: Priscilla Burr
Photo By: Ivy Scott

Along the southern part of the North Carolina coast, there’s an 8.4-mile undisturbed barrier island called Masonboro. The primitive island sits five miles south of Wilmington and can only be reached by boat. For 30 CS Girls from the East Coast, the island was a perfect place to call home for three days. 

In April, CS Girls traveled from North Carolina, Florida and Michigan to participate in the East Coast Girls Campout. The campout encompassed girls of all ages (from groms to those seasoned in life) and all walks of their faith journey. The weekend centered on the Christian Surfers United States (CSUS) theme for the year – Be Still. 

It didn’t take long for that theme to be tested. From strong winds to freezing rains on the first night, the girls endured holding down their flying tents, being drenched to the bone and having their faith tested. If anything, it taught the importance of truly surrendering to God in every circumstance. 

The rest of the campout provided a space to build community. Conversations sparked through long walks on the beach, laughing around the campfire and waiting in the water for the next set of waves. The evenings and mornings were filled with a time for worship and devotionals, sharing on how to “Be Still.”

It was a reminder of the importance of being still in God’s creation. For Abby Garbark, Christiana Freund and Kali Wiley, this year’s campout left each of them with something different.

It’s good to be uncomfortable. 

“My biggest takeaway is it’s always good to be uncomfortable. Learn how to face circumstances that you might not be used to,” says Abby Garbark. “When you have good people (and community) around you, it makes all of those things way easier.”

As her first time attending an East Coast Girls Campout, Abby’s favorite memory from the trip was surfing with everyone. 

“The first night when we got here, all of the Florida girls were in the water. We met some people in the water, and they could not remember my name, so they just said, ‘Hey, Florida girl, turn around because this huge set is coming in.’ So, that’s what my new name is for now.”  

Everyone is in it together.

For some of the campers, like Christiana Freund, it was their first time camping. 

“I love being uncomfortable,” says Christiana. “The first day was a little bit of a trial by fire for everybody thrown into it, which is how I learn and get comfortable doing things. I had a lot of fun in the chaos of it.”

She adds, “It brings a little bit of a sense of togetherness for everyone. I really enjoyed that and being able to share laughs with people. I connect people really quickly when you’re thrown into scenarios like that.” 

One of her favorite parts of camping was connecting with God in nature. “I think camping, from being out in nature, connects us to God through His creation,” she says. “Everything we talked about this week about ‘Be Still’ was the perfect way to tie those two things together. I had a great time, and I would love to come back.”

Step back and look at the bigger picture. 

When Kali Wiley reflects on her time, she values the community God has blessed her with through CS Girls. 

“It’s been such a sweet path getting introduced to Christian Surfers and getting to go on mission trips and to get to know the heart of the organization and grow with them,” she says. “What CS has done for my faith has been so impactful on my life. I’ve just been so grateful that now I can give back. I love CS. I love that God has given us this community where we can come together, go on adventures together and be vulnerable together.”

Kali adds that being a part of CS Girls is a great way to meet other girls who are going through similar things or have gone through them. 

“What I love about the campout is being able to share some waves, talk about it, pray together and enjoy time and community,” says Kali. “I’m just so grateful for all God has blessed us with and that we can be out here in nature. When you take a step back, you really get to see the bigger picture and have a chance to thank God for the things in your life that are going great.”

As the CS East Coast Girls anticipate next year’s campout, there are still opportunities to participate in CS Girls’ events this year. The West Coast Girls Campout takes place in June. It is open to all girls of all ages and surf levels. Click to learn more.