Every Person Is Crucial

EPIC

As EPIC began on Friday evening, our area was hit by a powerful wind storm that left many without electricity. It wasn’t the start we had planned—but it was a beautiful reminder of something even more powerful: the resilience of our students and leaders. With great attitudes and open hearts, they stepped fully into the weekend, undeterred and expectant.

And what a weekend it was.

We witnessed something eternal—two students chose to be baptized. Moments like these are why we do what we do. They are not just meaningful in the moment; they carry lifelong impact.

When each of my own children was baptized, I remember telling them, “This is your most important day.” It is a declaration of faith, identity, and purpose. Because of your generosity and support, you helped create that “most important day” for two of our students. That is a gift beyond measure.

Thank you for investing in lives, in faith, and in a future that matters deeply.

And as we continue to look ahead, I hope you will mark your calendar and plan to join us for one of our most meaningful and celebratory events of the year…CAST Blast — May 27th .

With gratitude,
Sonja White
Executive Director

EPIC 2026

EPIC 2026: A Weekend of Redemption

EPIC 2026 was truly one for the books. We started the weekend with no power, freezing water, and some very failed attempts at kite flying—but we ended it with something much better. Between the deepened friendships and a renewed walk with the Lord, students and leaders alike are walking away with memories that will last a lifetime.

This year, six students attended EPIC alongside CAST. Our "small but mighty" crew provided the exact dynamic we needed to make the weekend unforgettable. With a ratio of six students to four Young Adult leaders, every student had the space to build intentional, meaningful relationships with mentors who truly cares for them. As it turns out, this intimate setting was exactly what God had planned for us.

Throughout the weekend, our students had the chance to unplug, have fun, and dive deep into their faith. They attended "Club" for worship and teaching, participated in morning devotionals, and were invited to consider the step of baptism.

During Saturday night’s service, baptism was introduced as "an outward expression of an inward change." The shift in the room was powerful as over 70 students chose to be baptized. Even as towels ran short, students kept choosing redemption. That night, chains were broken and lives were changed forever.

We are so proud to share that two of our CAST students were among those who stepped into the water. Please join us in celebrating Haley and Kiayanna, who bravely led the way as the first two students to be baptized at camp!

As we wrap up EPIC 2026, we would be remiss if we didn't pause to thank the incredible community that made this experience possible. Because of your generosity, every single student who attended EPIC this year was fully sponsored.

Your gifts didn't just cover costs; they created a sacred space for our students to encounter the Lord. To everyone who supported us through donations and prayer this March—thank you. God was truly moving in every aspect of EPIC 2026!

Save the Date for the Annual CAST Blast!

As the school year comes to a close, there’s nothing we love more than gathering to celebrate the incredible ways we’ve grown together. From side-by-side volunteering to the simple joy of laughing and learning as a community, Caring and Serving Together is more than just our name—it’s our heartbeat.

We are truly honored to call you our friends, and we invite you to join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun! We’ll be enjoying our traditional hot dog and ice cream feast, honoring our graduating leaders, and reflecting on how God has moved in our lives this past year.

The highlight of the night? We are thrilled to debut the first-ever "CAST Quest"! Get ready for a little healthy competition as we get to know one another even better.

Aliquippa 2026!

Our mission trip to Aliquippa, PA, is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Mark your calendars for June 4th–June 7th—we would love for you to be part of the team this summer.

What makes Aliquippa unique? Unlike our EPIC or Wildside trips, this experience is intentionally designed as a multi-generational service opportunity. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a grandparent, there is a place for you to serve! Keep an eye out for our April Newsletter for full details and registration. You won't want to miss this!

Rapid Fire with Chris:

Go to Hype song: siren sounds

Favorite spot to hang out: probably Starbucks

A Starbucks refresher is my holy grail

What I am most proud of:

making the cheer team with no cheer experience at all, combined with being a boy.

After High school: I am currently wanting to go to college for Architecture and Interior Design.

Why Serve?:Serving now will teach me valuable life lessons that are important, especially as an adult down the road.

Favorite Food: fried rice

Favorite class: College Trigonometry.

Hidden talent: photography

Dreams vacation: Rio

A word to describe myself: resilient.

Student Spotlight: Chris Marco

Chris Marco is a junior at Early College High School and one of our Vice Presidents for CAST. For Chris, staying involved is simply part of who he is. When he’s not hanging out with CAST you can catch him on the sidelines of football and basketball games as a cheerleader, at concerts as a member of the band, or taking the stage as a member of the theatre club.

Chris says that choosing his favorite CAST volunteer experience is an easy choice. He has loved volunteering at Love the Children Ministries because of the positive environment they have created and the meaningful impact it makes in our local community.

Through volunteering, Chris has learned something powerful that we can all take away. He has learned what feels normal for one person may be seen as a luxury to someone else. This perspective has helped him to be more aware and humble, encouraging him not to focus on what he has but to notice the needs around him and find ways to make a difference, even if it is indirectly.

His motivation to serve comes from understanding the mission of CAST. People and organizations are counting on volunteers to help support the local community. One moment continues to stick with him is volunteering at the ACR Foodbank and hearing the final count of meals made possible through the work of volunteers. Seeing how thousands of meals can come from just a few hours of service reminds him that even when our efforts feel small, they grow into something truly meaningful.

Fun fact about Chris: Chris started to volunteer with CAST the summer before his freshmen year of high school…jumping right into leading at Blessing Boot Camp! Soon after Chris became the first student from the class of 2027 to earn his graduation cords!

Volunteer with the #CASTkids

We are thrilled to announce a new service opportunity coming to CAST this Spring! One of our incredible student coordinators, Gabe, has partnered with Canton Parks and Recreation to host a Park Cleanup Day.

Join the team at 10:00 AM at Westbrook Park to help us beautify our local community. Once the work is done, we’ll be hosting a picnic lunch for everyone involved. It’s the perfect way to get some fresh air, give back, and grab a bite with friends!