“I’ve never felt a mother’s love like that.”

Camp 2 (Still Creek Ranch & Palmer Home) at the Grand Tetons

It’s been said that in life, joy and sorrow coexist.  As we conclude our two weeks of camps for kids living in group children's homes we are in that tension. Our hearts have been broken and yet they are full. 

The stories of the kids we served were heartbreaking. Their grief is real. Abuse, neglect, human trafficking, the death or imprisonment of a parent. Pain that no child should have to experience. 

Many of the kids have already made tremendous strides through the help of their children's homes, they are joyful and optimistic. Others were still in the midst of struggle and trauma. It was palpable.

One such girl came across tough as nails. It was how she survived. But by day three she had an emotional breakthrough unlike any we had ever seen. During our fireside ceremony where we 'burn our fears', this young teen solemnly tossed her folded up paper, containing a fear she had written down, into the fire to burn it. She then turned and fell into On River Time staffer, Beth Plummer's arms while tears rolled down her face. Beth held her for a good 15 minutes, stroking her hair and praying over her. On the final night, during the pinning ceremony, this same girl recognized Beth and told her she had never felt a mother’s love like she did in that moment.

Camp is about so much more than a fishing trip on a beautiful river. These kids have walked through a flood. But they are resilient and have hope. Our hope is through On River Time they see that their tomorrows can be much brighter than their yesterdays. They are created by a Heavenly Father who loves them and has never left their side. 

Thank you for helping to make these new beginnings possible. Thank you for Casting HOPE.