Teen Reach Adventure Camps Can Decrease Youth Engagement in Sex Trafficking

By Becca C. Johnson, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Serving the Sexually Abused and Exploited

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. 

Studies on foster youth and sex trafficking report that anywhere from 60-85% of victims of sexual exploitation have been in foster care. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 60% of runaway youth who are victims of sex trafficking had previously been in foster care or social services custody. According to the Center’s officials, foster children are especially at-risk of being targeted by sex-traffickers. This is confirmed in an article written over a decade ago, “Sex-Trafficking Sting Shows Foster Children are Especially Vulnerable (July 31, 2013/ posted by Children’s Rights, www.childrensrights.org/news-events/cr-blog/sex-trafficking). Even in 2012, studies estimated that between 50-80% of commercially sexually exploited children in California are or were involved with child social services.  

What does this tell us about the importance of what we do? 

The overwhelming effects of childhood trauma can be clearly seen in the landmark research conducted on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). To simplify the findings, traumatic childhood experiences can result in higher percentages of social, medical, behavioral, and mental health challenges in adulthood. Those who have suffered negative events and abusive relationships while minors experience higher rates of divorce, drug use, medical issues, psychiatric diagnoses, teenage pregnancy, delinquency, imprisonment, and more. (Refer to the numerous research studies on the ACE.) 

One agency working with children and youth states that these negative adult outcomes can decrease with intervention in childhood. That is, without intervention, these adult symptoms are more likely to occur.  

Teen Reach Adventure Camps provides the critical intervention needed to change the trajectory of a child’s life.  

T.R.A.C. intervenes at a critical time in the development of these minors. Our programs provide numerous opportunities for participating youth to develop skills in decision-making, social interaction, and self-awareness. Challenge Course activities build a sense of teamwork and the importance of community and cooperation. All of these combine to strengthen the campers’ self-confidence, which is key in decreasing their vulnerability.  

As the youth are exposed to adults honoring their uniqueness, choices, self-determination, and God-given value, the likelihood decreases of their falling prey to abusers and those who want to exploit them. 

Teen Reach Adventure Camps instills hope – hope for a better life and a better future.