From the 12th– to the 17th of August 2025, the serene grounds of Happy Land Girls Senior School in Kiserian were filled with joy, laughter, songs, and heartfelt prayers as more than 90 campers joined over 30 counselors and helpers for a very special week. This year’s camp was unlike any other, as it ended with a milestone moment — the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Camp Swamp in East Africa on Sunday, 17th August 2025.
It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since the very first Camp Swamp in 2015. What began as a small dream has grown into a tradition that has touched hundreds of lives. Each August or December holiday, pre-teens and teens come with curiosity, excitement, or even shyness, and leave with courage, epiphanies, friendships that feel like family, stronger faith, and unforgettable memories. All built around the campfires, in bible classes, during dance, wonder, songs, and games. God has been shaping hearts and building a legacy that will last far beyond these ten years.
The Camp theme this year was “The Jesus Story”, drawn from John 9, the story of Jesus healing a man born blind. Together, campers explored the powerful analogy of how people encounter Jesus in stages: first through curiosity, then belief, and finally to total worship. Just as the blind man moved from seeing Jesus as “a man,” to “a prophet,” to “Lord,” the campers reflected on their own journeys — how each of us experiences Jesus differently until we come to fully see Him for who He truly is. This theme was at the heart of the week, shaping classes, devotionals, and discussions that helped the campers anchor their faith more deeply in Christ.
The anniversary itself was a family reunion in every sense. Parents, alumni, and supporters joined the campers for a Swamp-led worship service that was filled with gratitude and praise. There was laughter, there were tears, and there was the overwhelming sense that God’s hand has been present in every season of this journey. From the very first camp to this one, it has always been about His faithfulness. As one verse reminded us: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” – Zechariah 4:10.
What made the day even more special were the heartfelt stories shared by families. One parent wrote:
💬 “A big thank you to you @Amo-c, @Kiki, @Dk-c, @Emma-c, and the rest of your amazing team that organized and coordinated Camp Swamp 🙌🏾. Your sacrifice and commitment to the well-being of our children are truly inspiring. I was so encouraged during the short time I was there—seeing the kids build friendships, grow in confidence, support each other, and just enjoy themselves in such a safe environment was priceless. And may your vision of having our own venue, where we can better manage costs, come true—so that Camp can be more affordable and many more children can have this life-transforming experience.”
Another parent shared how camp has shaped friendships and faith:
💬 “The two beautiful girls who were baptized on Sunday became best friends last year at Camp. They influenced each other to know God, visited each other over the holidays (mpaka their shags🥲), and together shared the beautiful moment😘💞. Camp has helped our two older boys, who are also disciples, to be social, gain confidence, and build lasting friendships by the grace of God. What we have gained can’t be tagged with a price. The impact Camp has made is worth every coin, every sacrifice 💫. We are forever grateful. Not to us but to God Almighty be the glory 🙇♀.”
And another testimony touched everyone’s hearts:
💬 “I’m forever grateful for Swamp Camp. Seeing my daughter walking down to be baptized into Christ was my best experience in the kingdom of God. Thank you, Cathy Nuthu, Pauline Mumbo, Tr Sirengo, and Irene, for walking the journey with our children. All the sacrifices by the directors, mentors, counselors, and organizers — words can never be enough. Your reward is in heaven. ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.’ – Colossians 3:23. God bless you.”
These stories remind us of why Camp Swamp exists. It is not just about one week in the year; it is about shaping lives, strengthening families, and creating bonds that carry into everyday life. It is about young people discovering faith, courage, and friendship that will stay with them for a lifetime.
As we blew out the symbolic “10-year candle,” we were filled with gratitude but also great expectation. If God has done so much in the past decade, what more will He do in the next? As the scripture says, “Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” – Lamentations 3:23.
Through storms and sunshine, mountains and valleys, God has walked with Camp Swamp every step of the way. This anniversary was not just a chance to look back, but an opportunity to look forward with hope. The next ten years will bring more young lives transformed, new communities reached, and a stronger legacy of faith and service as former campers grow to lead and inspire others.
🙏 To every camper, parent, volunteer, and supporter — thank you. You are part of this story, and together we will continue building something eternal. Here’s to the next 10 years of Camp Swamp East Africa — and beyond. 🎉