After being inspired by Jane Schooler at CAFO last fall, we wanted to read more about what she and her late husband learned over the years through working with vulnerable youth.

Meet John Blackson from Midland, Michigan, who started volunteering at Royal Family KIDS Camp 16 years ago. Wanting to continue serving the campers, he developed a mentoring program in 2017 and then trained to be a T.R.A.C. director. T.R.A.C. Midland launched the following year. 

Armin Houman once said, “Life is not measured by time. It is measured by moments.” 

The ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos is about making good time. Kairos is about enjoying the journey. 

Cindy Brewer from Orphan Voice served in Vietnam for 14 years and Jayne Schooler from Trauma Free World co-authored, Caring for Kids from Hard Places, with her late husband.

Tera Melber, Founding Director of Resound Trauma Education and Pam Parish, Founder & CEO of Connections Homes shared the following at CAFO this year. As parents and mentors, we need to remember God writes the story. We do not. 

Jessica has been involved with T.R.A.C. in Wasilla, Alaska, for four years, first as an assistant director, and now as the director. T.R.A.C. has had an incredible impact on her life. She is amazed at the lasting and strong connections formed with youth.

Boys’ T.R.A.C. in Jefferson, Oregon, was a challenge this year. In fact, a few veteran staff said camp was the most difficult they’d experienced in 14 years of volunteering. With a new location and a serious flow of testosterone from the boys, a few situations escalated quickly. Every camper wanted to argue whether they were involved or not.  

Rob, a mentor through T.R.A.C.life in Omaha, Nebraska, fixed up a car his church planned to donate to Chariots of Hope, a nonprofit that gifts cars to people in need. When the client no longer needed the car, Rob’s pastor asked if he knew of anyone in need of a vehicle. 

Dawn has been involved in T.R.A.C for 8 years as a camp counselor. Last year, she signed up to be a mentor with T.R.A.C.life, an experience Dawn treasures. 

As I was preparing for R.E.A.C.H. Summit, I was reminded of the night Tim and I were originally called to start Teen Reach. We were in Houghton, NY, watching another Royal Family KIDS Camp graduation.

Will and Angela debated on whether they wanted a late brunch or chicken wings earlier this spring. Deciding on wings, they were surprised when an employee said, “I know you.”  

Pure Religion Sunday: A day of unity to reflect God’s heart for the orphaned and vulnerable on November 10, 2024, and throughout the year.

Three years ago, Keyara wanted nothing to do with T.R.A.C. Her all-black clothing and bad attitude screamed, “Stay away.”

Jesus saw the huge crowd . . . and he had compassion on them. Matthew 14:14  

Jeasian was a handful at T.R.A.C. this summer, testing every boundary possible. Even his camp counselor wanted to cut the apron strings after being Jeasian’s camp counselor for multiple years through both Royal Family KIDS Camp and T.R.A.C. 

Ever feel like a fraud?  

I’ve had several conversations lately with members of our Teen Reach family. Seasoned Christians facing real battles for their children and grandchildren.  

CJ joined the leadership team at T.R.A.C. Tampa, Florida, in January 2020 and became the director the following year after completing leadership training.  

We’re thrilled you’re here with us at the annual leadership summit. This time is designed for refreshing, connecting and growing. 

Over 300,000 teens across America enter foster care for many reasons, including abuse and neglect. Teen Reach provides them with a message of hope, giving them a place to process their stories, while building skills and relationships needed to succeed in life.

No matter how many times I serve or visit one of our Teen Reach camps across the country, seeing the smiles or hearing the stories of impact never gets old.