Small Lunchtime Moments Creating Big Faith Impacts for Kitsap Students
Fridays have become my favorite day of the week—it’s Candy Lady day.
There’s something special about connecting with students during lunch. This week’s question was simple: If you could offer someone life advice, what would you say? Their answers were honest, funny, and wise beyond their years—“Don’t give up,” “Don’t trust middle school boys,” “Keep your grades up.” In those small moments, over a piece of candy, their hearts begin to open.
As I waited for second lunch to begin, I sat down at a random table. Before long, a boy walked over and joined me. “Hey, Candy Lady, are you going to sit with us during lunch?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
“Okay,” he said, “I just wanted to let you know—we say a prayer at lunchtime.”
I stayed.
One by one, the rest of the boys gathered, not rushing, but waiting—making sure no one was left out. When everyone arrived, one of them asked, “Whose turn is it to pray? Let’s grab hands.”
They reached across the table, linking hands, and one boy quietly prayed over his friends and their food.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t planned. It was simply real.
And in that moment, I was reminded of something powerful: connection doesn’t require grand gestures. It grows in small, intentional acts—an invitation to sit together, a willingness to include others, a simple question, a shared prayer.
A piece of candy can open a conversation. A conversation can open a heart. And sometimes, the smallest moments leave the biggest impact.
Empowering Middle & High School Youth Across Kitsap & North Mason Counties
At Campus Life, we walk alongside middle school and high school students right where they are. Through our free drop-in centers, we create safe, welcoming spaces for youth to connect with background-checked, trained mentors over games, snacks, tutoring, and life-changing conversations about faith and purpose. Whether through our regular school-year programs, summer camp, or seasonal events, we are dedicated to building authentic relationships across Kitsap and North Mason counties.
Partner with Us to Impact Local Students
Transformation happens when community members step up together. You can partner with us to support local youth outreach, volunteer as a mentor, or help fuel our programs in Poulsbo and Bremerton.
Visit or Connect with Our Drop-In Centers:
The Next Door Center (Poulsbo): 1779 NE Hostmark St, Poulsbo, WA 98370
The Underground Center (Bremerton): 7555 Old Military Road NE, Bremerton, WA 98337
The Westside Center (Bremerton): 1211 Veneta Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
