Over the summer, Zane Rasor, sophomore, served on a mission trip to the Czech Republic helping run a summer camp for young children.

The camp, Anglicky Nove Mesto Pod Smrkem, translated to English as “town under the mountain,” focused on teaching English to young kids, and improving their intercommunication skills.

“If they [the children] know English it automatically makes it easier for them to get jobs and be successful in life,” Rasor said.

The camp also focused on teaching the values of Christianity, as Rasor worked closely with six children as both a teacher and counselor.

Near the beginning of the camp, which lasted 17 days, most children did not understand Christianity or they had corrupt views of the religion, which posed a challenged for the mission group. But by the end, most kids understood and practiced Christianity, creating a lasting bond with their leaders and with Christ.

“Watching these kids come to Christ and change their lives drastically because we showed them how Christianity is about loving and caring, it was just great,” Rasor said.

And while this camp was primarily focused on improving and sharpening English skills and Christianity practices, Rasor made time for games, like capture the flag which helped in building lasting relationships with the kids.

“We played in a massive field with pool noodles and swords…” Rasor said.

Now back in the states, Rasor plans on bringing back a ‘think before you act’ mindset into Sandpoint High School.

“The Czech people are incredibly perspective to how their actions will have consequences, and I believe that everyone could use a little more thinking before doing,” Rasor concluded.