(Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a five-part series.)
Urbanna Oyster Festival contestant Jenna Kaye Ancell and Little Miss Spat contestant Lydia Gourley have spent their summer raising money for Camp Piankatank, a Christian summer camp located in Hartfield. Camp Piankatank is a very special place to both Jenna Kaye and Lydia; Jenna Kaye has spent 13 years there as a former camper, and Lydia, her entire life as the daughter of the camp’s director.
Camp Piankatank was purchased in 1960 by the Baptist General Association of Virginia (commonly known as the BGAV) to be a place for boys to learn about Christian missions through a program called Royal Ambassadors. In 2001, Piankatank made the decision to move forward as a co-ed camp, and to no longer focus solely on the themes of Royal Ambassadors. Since then, Piankatank has been a safe haven for children of all backgrounds.
When prompted with the option to compete in the Urbanna Oyster Festival Queen Competition, Jenna Kaye immediately knew what her project would look like, and who her Spat would be. She has spent many summers at Piankatank witnessing how this environment impacts children, and wanted nothing more than to give back to the place that had given her so much joy herself. For the past two years, Jenna Kaye has worked at Piankatank as a counselor, and has had the privilege to bond with Lydia and other amazing children.
Jenna Kaye and Lydia teamed up over the course of this summer to fundraise by creating spare change jars and collecting donations from local businesses. Ultimately, the duo raised $521 without holding any events, due to the coronavirus. This money will go to support underprivileged children who cannot afford time at Piankatank, which is life-changing. Jenna Kaye loves to talk about her time at camp, and all of the ways it has made her world better as she has grown older. At only 7 years old, Lydia is also very aware of how special camp is.
Jenna Kaye is a rising senior at Middlesex High. School. As the secretary of the National Honor Society, she has served as historian of her class, been a member of Spanish Honor Society, captain of the varsity Scholastic Bowl team, and active participant in her community. She is typically very busy during her school year. When not at MHS, Jenna Kaye is usually found at Piankatank or spending time with her family. She plans to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and major in Nursing.
Jenna Kaye Ancell is the daughter of Brett and Sheila Ancell, granddaughter of Brenda Bristow and Preston Bristow, and Norma Ancell and Terrence Ancell. She has one sister, Kasey Ancell.
Lydia is a first grader this year, homeschooled with her siblings. She is the daughter of Steve and Niki Gourley, granddaughter of Cathy and Rob Gourley, and Steve and Teri Calhoun. She has three brothers: Elijah, Joseph and Conrad. When Lydia grows up, she wants to be a professional “YouTuber.” She enjoys playing with her friends, having fun, and making crafts.
