It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices . . .”

Zechariah 4:10

As we all know, some prayers are answered immediately, while others take weeks, months, or even years. Over the years, T.R.A.C. has dominated my prayer life as I’ve asked God to bring finances, staff and campers every camp season. Can you relate?

I discovered T.R.A.C. when searching for a way to serve in my new church after moving to Omaha, Nebraska. I had never been a camp counselor, and my only experience with children in foster care were my cousins who I saw once a year at our family reunion.

I’ll never forget something my friend, Tricia, said one summer when we served together at church camp. 

“You either see the world filtered through God glasses or the culture’s glasses.” 

My name is Amanda, and I have two boys, Victor and Diego, who are part of the T.R.A.C. program and the T.R.A.C.life mentoring program. 

It’s 4 o’clock in the morning, and God woke me up and said, “Okay, it’s time to do this.” So here I am, sharing my heart. 

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

“These enemy hordes . . . were as thick as locusts . . . too numerous to count.” Judges 6:5 

Drew Hettinger, co-director of T.R.A.C. Torrance, California, felt discouraged after Covid sent several volunteers home. A situation with their foster daughter forced his wife and co-director, Erika, to miss camp. Then Todd, the CrossTalk teacher, got so sick between boys and girls camps, Drew had to find someone new to step in and give the message.  

Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” 

As I pray for each of you right now, every detail of camp preparation, during camp and after camp, I pray that you will remember this encouraging word.  

Dr. Curt Thompson encourages us to “put ourselves in the path of oncoming beauty,” because in doing so, God is “reminding you that he is alive and active in the world and is still in the business of creating goodness and beauty … and wants you to join him.”

I asked ChatGPT to give me a summary of the day’s headlines. As you might suspect, there was no good news no matter what perspective you might take.   

Jesus warned and encouraged us in John 16:33. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  

The energetic, witty 13-year-old got along well with his camp counselor at T.R.A.C. Aloha and eagerly participated in the different activities. A week after camp, Sarah, the director, got an email. “Camden* can’t stop talking about camp.” 

Nothing makes my day more than receiving a screenshot of a text conversation like the following from a T.R.A.C.life mentor and his mentee. 

Mentee: I want to find God by the way. And you’re the only godly man I know. I know about him, but I really wanna know. 

Teen Reach Adventure Camps provide God-centered, fun, purpose-driven, self-confidence-building experiences for vulnerable youth. These foster youth have already experienced more trauma than most. They are commonly overcome with low self-esteem, anger, hopelessness, and/or loneliness. Their past traumas have caused them to be susceptible to abusers and those who want to use, abuse, or sell them. 

Connecting with teens start with the RIGHT MINDSET. 

SHIFT YOUR MINDSET  

Redefining teenagers by SHIFTING perspective. 

Recently, I was listening to a devotional, and this phrase struck me: He provides all that He requires of you. We serve such a good and loving Father. He asks us to do things for Him, but doesn’t leave us helpless, scrambling to figure things out on our own.  He equips us with everything we need to fulfill those tasks.

According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard, “Every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult.”

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.