Camper Placement and Working with Social Services
Recap: Summit 2023 – Panel Discussion
NOTE: Camper Placement Coordinator binders are
NOW available on the Teen Reach website
under T.R.A.C. RESOURCES on the STAFF PAGE.
Panelists: Sylvia Gray, Retired Social Worker, Covington, LA
Roger Franklin, T.R.A.C. Norman, OK
Kathi Franklin, T.R.A.C. Norman, OK
Amy Jones, Eastern Regional Director
Saturday mornings are a special time each year at Summit where we switch gears in our approach to training and engage in a bigger conversation. Topics are centered around timely subjects, allowing for ongoing training, discussion, and best practices. Multiple voices bring unique perspectives and wisdom, helping us get stronger and avoid common pitfalls. The last half hour is open for audience questions.
Our focus this year was on Camper Placement and Working with Social Services.
Sylvia Gray brought years of experience as a social worker to our conversation. She shared how she learned about Royal Family Kids Camp and Teen Reach Adventure Camp because a camp director called her to invite the kids she serves to camp. Sylvia fell in love with the vision and became a champion for kids attending camp each year. Building relationships with our Sylvias will multiply our efforts to reach more youth.
Kathi shared details on how to reconnect with campers each year while Roger encouraged leaders to get connected to the local DHS/DHCF through volunteering and supporting them throughout the year. In his career with the department, he saw many great opportunities where the ministry of T.R.A.C. could bring support, encouragement, and collaboration. Social workers care deeply but are often overworked and under resourced. While we may first be received with caution, build trust through consistency.
Roger’s advice: Ask for a few minutes to share lunch and a short presentation during one of the DHS/DHCF monthly meetings. Food is a great gift. And keep the presentation short. Take applications, brochures and leave your contact information.
Camper Placement Coordinator binders are NOW available on the Teen Reach website under T.R.A.C. RESOURCES on the STAFF PAGE.
We love our Saturday panel discussions. They offer us a broader conversation to address issues and give insight and opportunities for growth. If you have a topic you would like to see addressed next year, please reach out to your regional director. We’d love to hear from you!
