Every fall, we put our garden “to bed.” This means we pull out all the dead plants, put some manure on top of the soil and cover the beds with plastic so the rain doesn’t wash the nutrients out of the soil. 

Farmers who have large parcels of land rotate their crops. That means they don’t always plant something in their fields every year. These empty fields are called fallow ground.

About three years after Teen Reach went national, a pregnancy clause needed to be added to the T.R.A.C. application so pregnant teens could attend camp. The goal was to make sure both moms and their unborn babies were safe during all activities at camp. 

Melissa has been involved in T.R.A.C. for eight years. She served as a camp counselor for one year, then a Level 1 Challenge Course Facilitator. Now she has been a Level 2 Challenge Course Facilitator for the past four years.  

T.R.A.C.life Directors from Kearney, NE 

Meet Tami Davis, T.R.A.C.life Director, and Sheri Rickertsen, T.R.A.C.life Assistant Director from Kearney, NE. They are launching this fall!  

One of our campers opened up to a few staff members about his struggles to overcome suicidal thoughts.

Have you ever worn cleats for football, soccer or track? Name three benefits cleats give you over regular sneakers:

Today’s scripture is about staying on the path God wants us to be on without wavering. Wavering means “weaving, slipping or falling off.” 

My story begins in 1996, the very first year of Royal Family Kids Camp Ohio Valley. 

That year we met twin brothers who immediately captured everyone's hearts. They had experienced significant trauma, and it showed. There were moments of running, hiding under the bed, punching, and other challenging behaviors. But one moment has stayed with me for the last 30 years.

When planning 2026 girls’ T.R.A.C., we decided to try something new—a fishing tournament. None of us knew how it would be received, but we thought it would be a fun way for campers to experience God's creation together. 

Have you ever been in a desert? If you have, describe your experience. If you haven’t, describe what you think a desert would be like:

One thing everyone knows about the desert: it’s hot and dry. Today’s scripture describes what happens when we rely on others for comfort in tough times instead of God.

Meet Jen Osborn, T.R.A.C. Co-Assistant Director from T.R.A.C. Omaha, NE (Brookside). She is a veteran with 15 years of experience directing camps! T.R.A.C. has grown her as a person, stretched her faith, made her aware of spiritual warfare and broken her heart for His kids.

Emily moved out of state after attending Royal Family KIDS Camp in Santa Rosa, California. Emily’s sister Krystal volunteers with T.R.A.C. She wanted Emily to experience T.R.A.C., so Krystal worked behind the scenes to help her adopted sister get to camp.

Did you know R.E.A.C.H. Summit isn’t just for directors?  

ALL VOLUNTEERS are welcome to our annual leadership summit, which is designed for refreshing, connecting and growing. That includes mentors, camp nurses, facilitators—anyone who serves at T.R.A.C. with a HEART for vulnerable youth. 

Jessika Nienhuis, Camp Counselor, Torrance, California  

When I welcomed 14-year-old Sara to T.R.A.C, she quickly told me, “I don’t like people; no offense!” 

“That’s fine,” I replied. “I like people enough for the both us.”  

You must all be quick to listen,  slow to speak,  and slow to become angry.  James 1:19 

Recently I received a prayer request from one of our leaders. Emotions were high after girls’ camp. Her prayer was for the Lord to soften hearts. 

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.  1 Thessalonians 1:2  

Have we told you lately how much we appreciate you and your volunteers? We pray every Thursday as a national team, so always know you can text/email/call us with specific requests.

The morning of boys’ T.R.A.C. in Lakeland, Florida, Hunter faced his judge in juvenile court. But he wasn't alone.  

The 14-year-old young man had been in and out of detention several times, including spending Christmas locked up.

During a recent weekly national team meeting, Serena shared the following poem by 14-year-old Mia Thomas in the LIVE Bible. 

Is Somebody There?  

Is it a sin to say that I don’t believe? 

Well, it’s true . . . 

But if you’re God, you already knew. 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. A few days ago, I received the following update from a foster mom regarding one of our T.R.A.C.life mentees, a young man who continues to navigate his future after being abused and neglected as a child.

Welcome to our newest T.R.A.C.life leaders who trained in Nebraska last month: 

Stephanie Sunday & Tammy Wheeler (Central Nebraska), Tami Davis & Sheri Rickertsen (Kearney, NE), Erin Cantrell (Lincoln, NE), Stephanie Kidman (Springfield, MO), and Heidi & Sam Pergolski (Milwaukee, WI). 

A phrase stuck out to me recently. He provides all that He requires of you. We serve such a good and loving Father. He puts us on assignment, and then He equips us with everything we need to fulfill those tasks.