Every Child Needs a Champion
Please help change the life of a child of abuse and neglect.
Spring is, by its very nature, filled with hope. What was once dead and dormant springs forth with new life. This metaphor not only applies to the new blooms emerging on the trees, but also to our weary souls as we eagerly await life’s return to normal after a year-long pandemic. Isaiah 43:19 reads, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert".
2020 took so much from us all. At On River Time, it took away our opportunity to take teenagers of abuse and neglect to camp. We are so excited to announce a safe return to camp in 2021, with that comes the opportunity to help bring a rebirth of sorts in the hearts, minds, and spirits of teenagers who have experienced so much pain. We are proud to partner with four children’s homes: Big Oak Ranch in Alabama, Palmer Home and Homes of Hope for Children in Mississippi, and Still Creek Ranch in Texas.
This summer we will host our two On River Time camps at The Lodge at Palisades Creek in Irwin, Idaho. This year will be a milestone as we celebrate more than 150 campers served. Those selected, ages 12-18, were chosen because they demonstrated outstanding models of behavior and character at their children's homes. Camp costs about $5,000 per child, and is all-inclusive: fishing guides, boats, rods and reels, transportation, airfare, lodging, meals, Teton National Park tour.
We have also expanded our programming for 2021. When camps were canceled last year, we found new ways to serve. We are offering new Life Skills classes for the college-aged students. This emphasis is designed to help give these kids, who have aged out of their children’s homes, every opportunity for success in life. Our curriculum includes interview skills, resumes, business ethics and expectations, etiquette, and more. In July, we will host our first Life Skills retreat at Pursell Farms outside Birmingham for these college-age students. In addition, we will continue our tradition of gifting college and career scholarships to the 2021 graduates.
What “moments” helped to define the trajectory of your life? For a child who carries painful memories of abuse and neglect, becoming part of the On River Time family gives them an opportunity to create new, positive memories, new “moments” that can help define who they are and the direction they will go. Our goal is to help break the cycle of abuse and help these kids become healed, successful, independent adults with a healthy sense of who they are -- Imago Dei, made in the image of God for a purpose.
Famed educator, Rita Pierson is quoted as saying, "Every child needs a champion". Will you help be a child's champion? Please take a moment and review the attached camp sponsorships. We humbly ask for your financial support to make these life- impacting programs possible. Thank you for helping us to “cast hope” and change lives! Learn more by visiting: www.onrivertime.org.
For the Kids,
Steve Davis, Founder & Wendy Garner, Executive Director
Become an On River Time Partner
(Fund the entire experience of On River Time camp for one child and receive updates from him or her)
CHANGING LIVES SPONSOR - $3000
FRIEND OF ON RIVER TIME - $500
You may also give a donation of any amount at onrivertime.org. Consider a one time gift or becoming a monthly partner.