July has been an exciting month for me. My family and I returned to Tybee for the month and some change, we led a mission trip, it was my sister’s birthday, and I was able to volunteer at surf camp!

The month of July is probably my favorite time of the year because my mom, sisters, and I are able to live at Tybee for July and part of August. It is very relaxed and easygoing, but yet we still have a lot going on. I even get to surf every day that there are waves!

One of the things that we were able to participate in was a mission trip that we led here on Tybee. A group from our church came down to serve the community. Every afternoon, we picked up trash left by others on the beach. We also were able to take cookies and cards to the nursing home while we visited with residents. We also took cookies and Gatorade to the lifeguards that are here on the island. It was awesome to be able to serve the community, even though it was a small way. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest differences.

My sister Sadie turned 13 in July, also. We had a celebration for her and even had a big cake. She was very happy to celebrate with family and our friends from Canada that came down to Tybee for a week. Also for her birthday, my grandparents and some of our cousins came down; it was good to see everyone.

Every summer, the YMCA Tybee branch has a surf camp where dozens of kids get to learn to surf. Since I was 11, I have been able to volunteer at the camps. This summer, I was able to volunteer again with some new kids and even a few repeats. I love teaching others to surf because it is a way for me to share the stoke of surfing with others.

July has been the best month of the year so far. I have loved being able to give back to the community by serving others, celebrate milestones in others’ lives, and relax a little before school starts up again. August, here I come! Until next time, save me a wave!