DESTINY – YOUTH

When Destiny first came to Camp Hope (serving the Warden Woods community in Scarborough) as an 8 year-old she was quiet and shy, but now she has begun to live confidently for Christ.
         Destiny is a grade 8 student in Scarborough (from the community of Warden Woods) who loves singing and drama. Many have recognized the abilities which God has given to her, but for years she has been afraid to allow God to use those gifts to bless others.
         The support and encouragement of UrbanPromise Toronto (UPT) staff has really influenced Destiny in her school and home life. She has slowly been gaining self-confidence while attending after-school programs and summer day camps.
         Jordan (a YMAD Streetleader at Camp Hope) points out, “Destiny has really come out of her shell! I have really noticed her confidence grow each year. ”
         Destiny attributes this growth to spending time with UPT staff, interns and streetleaders at Camp Hope. “The leaders at UPT have impacted my life the most.” Through field trips, Bible studies and special events Destiny has been given the opportunity to develop relationships and learn from her leaders. “I remember different leaders’ testimonies and many bible lessons; interns taking me on kid trips and all the fun we’ve had.” she recalls
         In 2007 Destiny was encouraged to be part of The Bride, a play put on by UPT designed to help people understand the struggles of urban life and to give young people a way to express their gifts. For the first time Destiny began to see that she could use her artistic abilities to glorify God. Destiny found a role model she could really look up to in Ayesha (a YMAD Streetleader who was also in the play). Destiny describes it this way, “Ayesha is like a big sister to me. She is fun and funny. We used to practice the different scenes just to make each other laugh by being silly.”
         Another influence in Destiny’s life is her relationship with Kelly, the YMAD Supervisor at Camp Hope. Each day, Kelly picks up Destiny in her car, as Destiny’s school is farther away from the Warden Woods community than where the other youth attend school. “It’s fun to ride in Kelly’s car, we talk a lot about our day and listen to music. My classmates think that she’s my mom so now that’s an inside joke between the two of us!”