As Teen Reach marks 25 years, we celebrate the dedicated chapters and many volunteers who have consistently worked to introduce vulnerable youth to hope. While many things have evolved over the past quarter-century, our commitment as a national team to providing each volunteer, sponsoring church, camper, and mentee with quality, Christ-centered support remains steadfast. 

Did you know T.R.A.C.life launched a library of modules designed to teach mentees important life skills? Currently, topics include: budgeting, credit, hygiene and goals. 

On Saturday Jesus sits in a corner of my bedroom.

He moves the piles of socks and clothes over gently and tucks his feet up resting his chin on his bony knees

Jesus sits in the mix of the laundry and the various nicknacks from my week and I sit on my bed while there aren’t any words exchanged in the five feet between us

In The Life We’re Looking For, Andy Crouch’s main point is that we’re increasingly trading real relationships with each other and God for the magic of technology. This isn’t completely new; however, recent changes in the world from the industrial, financial and telecommunication revolutions have made this view dominant in society.

He is the oldest of nine siblings and the only one in foster care.

Before coming into care, CJ carried more than his share of pain. Sixteen years of trauma, broken trust, spoken labels, and unmet needs had shaped how he saw himself. Self‑worth has been his greatest battle. He genuinely believed the lies spoken over him, that he was not worthy of a future, that he did not deserve good things, that his story would end exactly where others said it would.

Am I going to be enough?

If you’ve ever felt insecure, you’re not alone. This question seems to hound volunteers, especially during the first year with T.R.A.C. and T.R.A.C.life.

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.