Lives Impacted at On River Time Camp
Our two weeks of camps for four children’s homes are over and we look back with awe and gratitude. First and foremost, thank YOU for your support. Because of you, lives were impacted at camp this year. Please take a moment to read our post camp report below. We hope it will be a blessing to you!
Gia, from Still Creek Ranch, takes in the beauty of Grand Teton National Park
During Week 1 of Camp we hosted Homes of Hope for Children from Mississippi and Still Creek Ranch from Texas. Our second week, included kids and chaperones from Big Oak Ranch in Alabama and Palmer Home in Mississippi. Both camps took place at The Lodge at Palisades Creek in Irwin, Idaho. Camps included two days of fly fishing on the Snake River, whitewater rafting, and a day trip to the Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Hole, WY.
Days 2 & 4 - Fly Fishing on the Snake River
Each camp includes two days of fly fishing. We caught (and released) a lot of trout! Close to 700!! Keyara set a new record for us with a 26 1/2" brown trout.
But camp is about so much more than catching fish. The act of fly fishing helps the kids to slow down, experience peacefulness, and take in the beauty of one of the most majestic landscapes in the United States.
Burning Our Fears
While camp is filled with laughter and fun, we also have moments where we allow the kids to process the hurt of their past and move toward healing. Our 'burn your fears' ceremony is one such moment. Everyone is asked to write a fear they have on a piece of paper to throw into the fire, with the goal to release that fear. They are never required to share, but one by one they often do.
For so many, their biggest fear is repeating generational patterns. They long to have healthy families and be loving parents to their own children one day. It's our deepest desire to help them break the cycle of abuse and grow to be happy, healthy, whole adults. After, the ceremony, we made s'mores and played and sung the song, "Fear is a Liar" by Zach Williams: "Cast your fear in the fire, 'Cause fear, he is a liar"!
"Burning our fears" in the fire
Day 3 - Whitewater Rafting Near Jackson Hole
Day 3 is a day of fun! We headed toward Jackson Hole to whitewater raft on the Snake River. The water was cold! Thank goodness for wetsuits! But it was so much fun and many braved the cold temperatures to dive in! Later that night, we held a dance party back at the lodge. It's so beautiful to hear the kids' laughter and witness the friendships being formed, even between kids from different children's homes.
Day 5 - Grand Tetons
Week 1 - Homes of Hope and Still Creek Ranch at the Grand Tetons
Week 2 - Big Oak Ranch and Palmer Home at the Grand Tetons
Pinning Ceremony
Our final night is our pinning ceremony where each kid recognizes someone who had an impact on them. It's an emotional ceremony. The kids connect so quickly with one another. It's beautiful to see them honor one another and speak life over each other. This act in itself is like rewriting history, breaking the cycles of hardship they experienced and living their lives with a grateful heart that seeks to bless others.
Special Guests
Finally, we are so thankful to have some very special guests join us at camp this year.
John and Tee Croyle, founders of Big Oak Ranch attended during week 2. John played an instrumental role in the formation of On River Time 10 years ago.
We are also so thankful that Liz Huntley and her family could join us. Liz is an attorney and author of the book, "More Than a Bird". She shared her own story of overcoming abuse with the kids. She was a visible, powerful example of hope to the kids.
Our hearts are heavy that camp is over and we already miss these amazing kids. But we are so thankful for the time we spent with them and we pray that they will walk forward with a better understanding of their WORTH, that they are loved, and God has a beautiful plan for their lives.
May their lives forever be impacted by this week spent On River Time.
Thank you for all you do to make this life-impacting experience possible. To partner with us, click below. And we hope you will make plans to join us for our largest event of the year, Casting Hope on September 15th in Birmingham! To become a sponsor, email wgarner@onrivertime.org.
“On River Time camp is the experience of a lifetime. You are surrounded by amazing people who prove they love and care for you every single day, who show you that there is hope and a reason to never give up and to continue to reach your goals.”