If you know Sammy Lopez, you know two things right away:

he’s got a big laugh—and an even bigger heart.

Sammy is 12 years old, standing right on the edge of a major milestone. This July, he turns 13, a birthday that marks the beginning of young manhood. And this year, that moment comes with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Sammy has been awarded a scholarship to travel to Alaska for 8 days with his dad, Charles Lopez—to fish, hunt, camp, and retreat together in the wild beauty of God’s creation. The scholarship covers half of the cost, but the rest requires help from the very village that has watched Sammy grow.

This trip is more than an adventure.

For Charles, it’s intentional.

It’s a moment to slow down, unplug, and call his son into discipleship—to speak identity, faith, responsibility, and purpose into Sammy’s life as he steps into young manhood. It’s a father walking alongside his son, saying: “This is who you are. This is who God is calling you to be.”

And Sammy?

He’s ready.

At just 12 years old, Sammy is already a young entrepreneur, running his own small business—Sammy’s Woodworking—where he builds and sells handcrafted wood pieces. He shows up, puts in the work, and takes pride in what he creates.

He also serves faithfully at church—helping with setup and teardown, greeting people with a smile as they walk in, and even assisting with computer graphics. He’s respectful, kind, hardworking, and eager to help wherever he’s needed.

And when he’s not working or serving?

You’ll probably find him laughing… and watching Outdoor Boys on YouTube—dreaming about the rugged outdoors, adventure, and Alaska. That channel planted the seed. This opportunity made it real.

Flights for the trip must be paid in advance, and the journey is set for June. That’s where the village comes in.

If you know Sammy, you know this isn’t just about a trip.

It’s about affirming a young man.

It’s about celebrating character, work ethic, and respect.

It’s about showing him that when he works hard, serves others, and walks uprightly - his community shows up for him.

Charles’ hope is simple:

that the village would help make Sammy’s 13th birthday wish come true—and in doing so, help create a memory, a marker, and a moment that will shape his life for years to come.

Thank you for loving on Sammy.

Thank you for believing in him.

And thank you for being part of his story.