Shout out to Nick & Jess from Ventura, CA

Shout out to Nick and Jess Mehle, former T.R.A.C. directors in Ventura, California. The two have you been involved in T.R.A.C. since 2012, first as camp counselors, then as directors starting in 2016.

Nick and Jess were nervous about volunteering but became immediately hooked at their first camp. They saw the challenges this population of youth endures, and they grew a deeper sense of empathy towards the youth and their situations. Seeing walls come down and connections made with caring adults in a short period of time at T.R.A.C. was amazing to witness. Serving this population of youth inspired Nick to become a teacher after his campers shared how school is a place of consistency, but also a source of stress. He and Jess now have the privilege of working with youth every day who have experienced similar challenges as T.R.A.C. campers.

Nick’s favorite camp story is of a 15-year-old camper who acted tough and did not seem engaged at T.R.A.C. Because he was not super involved with activities or enthusiastic, his counselors were concerned he was not having fun or making positive connections. At the pool on the last day of camp, this young man stood in the shallow end just watching the others. When Nick and other staff asked if he was okay, the young man simply smiled and said, “I never had a dad, but this weekend, I feel like I have four.” Nick had no idea that simply being present with this young man meant the world to him. This camper experienced God’s love through the simple presence, patience, and care of the camp counselors and staff. 

Another year, an angry girl who actively pushed camp boundaries was very vocal about not wanting to participate in any activity. On the second day of camp, a brush fire broke out eight miles from camp. Strong winds pushed the flames quickly toward the property, forcing them to evacuate that evening. They raced down the mountain, showing the campers their faith in God and trusting His protection. They arrived back at church and enjoyed an impromptu banquet while they waited for camper guardians to arrive. When the angry camper’s guardian arrived, the girl began to sob and begged to stay. The volunteers’ consistent love and attention had a profound impact on her.

Something fun about the two: they were a “Trader Joe-mance.” Jess worked at Trader Joe’s for 13 years and Nick for 17 years. They jokingly say that they fell in love in the produce section. Their first date was a heavy metal show where Nick sported blue hair because the Dodgers had made the playoffs.

When they’re not volunteering with T.R.A.C., Jess and Nick are teachers. Jess has been a teacher for six years and currently teaches kindergarten. Nick is in his second year of teaching and works with mild/moderate special education students in eighth grade. In their free time, the two love hiking and playing disc golf. Nick also plays drums in a band.

Jess and Nick have been married for 11 years. Their family includes Layla (3) and Grace (almost 6). Together, they love beach days, trips to the zoo, nature walks, and visiting museums.

To someone considering volunteering at T.R.A.C., Nick says, “You never know how much T.R.A.C. will impact you. We got involved with a desire to help kids, but we were were the ones who were changed through the process. The resiliency of the youth who have persevered through so much adversity is profound. The camp experience itself is so much fun, and simply being present with kids who crave to be seen and have connection with others is powerful. Camp is so amazing and we look forward to it every year.”

Thank you, Nick and Jess, for saying “yes.” Because of your faithfulness, T.R.A.C. Ventura is relaunching into the future with a strong foundation.