Echo, our youth group, is made up of some pretty terrific students and adult volunteers. Kim Bandy has had the unique perspective of participating in Echo, first as a student and later as an adult leader, and shared her experience from both angles.
How did your time as an Echo student shape you?
As a student in Echo, I was able to learn about God and explore my faith in a way that I hadn’t experienced before, and without judgment. I developed a great group of close Christian friends my age that were going through similar life experiences, and I’m still close with these friends, almost 10 years after graduating from Echo.
I was also a Catalyst (student leader) and during one Catalyst retreat in the summer, we volunteered on a painting project with Habitat for Humanity. We rode the bus there and some of us chatted with a homeless man on the ride, and it was really meaningful to hear his story. Later, in college, I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity multiple times, and now in my work as a mental health nurse, much of the population I see is homeless. I like to think maybe that retreat experience had something to do with where I am now.
What are some favorite memories from your student days?
My most favorite memories are the retreats. It was time spent away from school and family stressors, and I could just focus on being present with God and my Echo buddies. One year, the Catalyst team went on a trip to Chicago called Merge. I spent multiple nights staying up talking with my peers and meeting people from other youth groups across the country. One night, we stayed up all night in the hotel lobby, chatting and playing card games. We were so sleep-deprived during worship the next morning that a few of us were falling asleep on our feet. I wouldn’t change anything about that night! Those conversations helped deepen the connections with those friends, some of whom came back to Echo as leaders, like I did!
I also enjoyed EchOlympics, an event every year where the red and blue teams go head to head in silly, competitive events to determine the winner for the year. In 7th grade, my first year at Echo, I had no idea what was going on, what the events were, or anything. My peers told me which events to sign up for, and as a tiny kid, I gave the Blue team the advantage in some of the events, like sled racing. Everyone was cheering me on and supporting me. I remember being so confused walking in that evening, but I left with a smile on my face. Today I’m still on the Blue team, but this time as an adult leader!
Kim, on right, at EchOlympics
When and why did you start volunteering with Echo?
I started volunteering with Echo in 2021, when I moved back to Minnesota after graduating college. Because Echo really impacted my life as a student, I wanted to volunteer my time and give back to the community. I really find joy in being able to spend time with these kids, watching as they mature and grow in their faith.
How do you see Echo making a difference?
Echo is so important for teenagers as they go through life and experience the world. As a volunteer leader, I help provide a community that offers safety and stability through Christ and a general haven for kids who may not otherwise have a positive place like Echo. I’ve been able to witness many students come through Echo and I am always amazed by the growth, maturity and wisdom that they demonstrate by the time they graduate as 12th graders.
What is your favorite part of being an Echo volunteer?
My favorite part of working with Echo students is being a part of a Journey Group. Journey Groups are small groups split up by age and often gender, so 7-8th grade boys, 7-8th grade girls, etc, and oftentimes a co-ed 11-12th grade group, all led by two leaders and sometimes a student leader as well. Journey Groups meet after the Echo service for an extra hour of time where students can safely share thoughts about God, the sermon and things they are going through. It’s a fantastic support system and Journey Groups almost always become close knit by the end of the year.
Kim, far left, with Echo staff and volunteers
Thanks Kim and the rest of the crew, you are impacting many lives! Learn more about Echo here. 
