JJ Vann
MOUNTAIN GUIDE
I am JJ Vann, from New Braunfels, TX. I work full time during the day as a Window Cleaner and take classes at night studying UX Design. I also play for the Texas Men's Lacrosse team!
Keep scrolling down to learn more about what I am doing this summer and why I am raising support!
How did you hear about Beyond? I first heard about Beyond through a former boss of mine. He would tell stories about his college roommate, who had been a mountain guide, and the experiences sounded unreal. Before that, I had never even heard of Beyond, but those stories stuck with me and made me realize how incredible an opportunity something like that would be. When I was applying to volunteer at camps for summer 2026 and saw Beyond as an option, I immediately thought back to those conversations and knew I had to apply.
What are you looking forward to this summer? I’m most looking forward to the people and the moments that will come from living this summer fully in the moment. Building a new kind of family with the other volunteers and walking alongside campers through something challenging and meaningful is something I’m really excited about. I’m also really looking forward to being off my phone for a while. Life during school feels like it’s constantly moving at full speed, so I am looking forward to being calm, and present with the Lord.
How are you hoping to grow this summer? I’m hoping to grow most as a leader. Going into the summer, I do feel nervous about guiding and leading bible studies. There’s a part of me that wonders if I’m fully ready for that responsibility. At the same time, that’s exactly why I’m excited for it. I know this summer will push me in the best way, and I’m trusting that by stepping into those challenges I’ll be a lot more confident and capable by the end of summer than I am now.
What expenses are you fundraising to cover? I’m fundraising to help cover the cost of travel and the gear needed for the summer. My fundraising goal is $1,800.
Every dollar that you give will be matched by Beyond Malibu!