Tera Melber, Founding Director of Resound Trauma Education and Pam Parish, Founder & CEO of Connections Homes shared the following at CAFO this year. As parents and mentors, we need to remember God writes the story. We do not. 

Jessica has been involved with T.R.A.C. in Wasilla, Alaska, for four years, first as an assistant director, and now as the director. T.R.A.C. has had an incredible impact on her life. She is amazed at the lasting and strong connections formed with youth.

Boys’ T.R.A.C. in Jefferson, Oregon, was a challenge this year. In fact, a few veteran staff said camp was the most difficult they’d experienced in 14 years of volunteering. With a new location and a serious flow of testosterone from the boys, a few situations escalated quickly. Every camper wanted to argue whether they were involved or not.  

Rob, a mentor through T.R.A.C.life in Omaha, Nebraska, fixed up a car his church planned to donate to Chariots of Hope, a nonprofit that gifts cars to people in need. When the client no longer needed the car, Rob’s pastor asked if he knew of anyone in need of a vehicle. 

Dawn has been involved in T.R.A.C for 8 years as a camp counselor. Last year, she signed up to be a mentor with T.R.A.C.life, an experience Dawn treasures. 

As I was preparing for R.E.A.C.H. Summit, I was reminded of the night Tim and I were originally called to start Teen Reach. We were in Houghton, NY, watching another Royal Family KIDS Camp graduation.

Will and Angela debated on whether they wanted a late brunch or chicken wings earlier this spring. Deciding on wings, they were surprised when an employee said, “I know you.”  

Pure Religion Sunday: A day of unity to reflect God’s heart for the orphaned and vulnerable on November 10, 2024, and throughout the year.

Three years ago, Keyara wanted nothing to do with T.R.A.C. Her all-black clothing and bad attitude screamed, “Stay away.”

Jesus saw the huge crowd . . . and he had compassion on them. Matthew 14:14  

Jeasian was a handful at T.R.A.C. this summer, testing every boundary possible. Even his camp counselor wanted to cut the apron strings after being Jeasian’s camp counselor for multiple years through both Royal Family KIDS Camp and T.R.A.C. 

Ever feel like a fraud?  

I’ve had several conversations lately with members of our Teen Reach family. Seasoned Christians facing real battles for their children and grandchildren.  

CJ joined the leadership team at T.R.A.C. Tampa, Florida, in January 2020 and became the director the following year after completing leadership training.  

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

Over 300,000 teens across America enter foster care for many reasons, including abuse and neglect. Teen Reach provides them with a message of hope, giving them a place to process their stories, while building skills and relationships needed to succeed in life.

No matter how many times I serve or visit one of our Teen Reach camps across the country, seeing the smiles or hearing the stories of impact never gets old.

Have you scheduled time to rest before and after serving campers at T.R.A.C.? Are you encouraging your volunteers to do the same? Did you know there are seven types of rest?

Due to interest, Teen Reach is thrilled to announce a third T.R.A.C.life National Leadership Training this year.
When: October 19-21
Where: Tampa, FL

Olivia Paulson is a TBRI practitioner. In addition to training others on trauma-informed care for youth from hard places, Oliva lives out TBRI in her home, her local church congregation, and throughout Central Florida.

Recently, Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds in California sent an email that caught my attention.
Do you know what is the most urgent mental health problem in America today?