Some moments in life don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t exactly what we need.  For my 50th birthday, May 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to ride a hot air balloon. I didn’t know then that this experience would lead me to meet two amazing people, John and Lynn Good.

Themes keep us focused and moving forward. At Teen Reach, this means keeping our Big Heavenly Audacious Goal (BHAG) in front of us, reminding us that our VISION 2032 is not so overwhelming, but achievable in steps.

Camper H arrived off the bus in Lakeland, Florida, wearing an oversized hoodie to hide the T.R.A.C. camper shirt. A stocking cap masked striking eyes. H didn’t participate in the first icebreaker with the other girls.

As a mom of two young children, I'm always exhausted, and it seems like there's never enough time for rest. Even when I don't have anything immediately on my to-do list, there's always something to worry about that keeps me from experiencing rest.

Creating margin is building in time for things that have meaning and significance in our lives. It’s creating space to fully experience events, to connect with others, to process memories, to grow, and to heal. It’s vital for our survival and health.

Christy has been volunteering at T.R.A.C. for the last 5 years—the first two as a camp counselor, and the following three as the Dean of Women. She is entering her second year as a mentor in the T.R.A.C.life program.  

Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?  Esther 4:14b 

As I reflect on our CrossTalk curriculum this year, I can’t help but think of Mordecai’s plea to Esther about such a time as this. 

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.”