Meet Jessica Jones, T.R.A.C. Director in Wasilla, Alaska
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. Jessica absolutely loves how everything is centered around CrossTalk and how the themes weave throughout everything done at camp. Challenge Course leaves such a great impact on youth as well, providing fun as the campers work together, discuss real life and learn strategies to overcome.
One of Jessica’s best camp memories is from girls’ camp. The team decided to slow the pace and hold T.R.A.C. during the darker winter months. The girls wrote their burdens on rocks which they placed in a backpack. The staff committed to carrying the burdens during camp, but soon the girls joined in and asked to carry the burdens. They talked about relationships, and two girls cried a lot over the weekend. The staff created space for them to share, grieve and be themselves without being redirected or questioned. Two older staff spoke about processing grief and sorrow while one of the girls just colored and cried. Seeing the girls so loved and nurtured was beautiful. On Sunday, they prayed over the burdens. Each person took someone else’s burden and threw them off a cliff. Many of the girls returned to serve the younger campers as buddies and helpers.
Growing up, Jessica was an at-risk youth who grew up with a lot of adversity. A loving couple took her into their home; their guidance put Jessica on a better path. Camp changed her life in a huge way. Now Jessica is directing camps as Operations Manager of Reach 907—her dream job.
Three years ago, Jessica was vulnerable at T.R.A.C. Level 2 Challenge Course Training. The team prayed over her and asked God to bring her a husband who loves camp as much as she does. One year later, Jake proposed to her after they completed the Traverse challenge. The two got married in T.R.A.C hoodies three months later with the Crosstalk leader acting as the officiant.
Jake has embraced Jessica’s kids and loves them well. For fun, the family loves adventures, hiking, visiting parks, building Legos and doing creative things together.
Jessica encourages others to give their time to Teen Reach with an open heart and see what God can do in just THREE DAYS. As she says, Jesus died and was raised from the dead in the same time! Your life can be forever impacted and so will the lives of the youth being served. Don't feel like you need special qualifications. God does the work through you. Simply say YES and be present.”