They’re Worth It
The statistics are overwhelming. Too many children are growing up in unhealthy and harmful environments of abuse and neglect. They are OUR WHY.
The youth we serve come from a life of trauma; they survived a difficult childhood only to be relinquished by the only family they know, to live in a group children's home.
They didn't enjoy the typical childhood experiences many take for granted. Our camp consists of a lot of "firsts" for our youth: the first time on an airplane, seeing mountains, fly fishing, or encountering wildlife. Camp is an opportunity to face fears and make positive, life-defining memories. It's an opportunity to step into a new life of hope.
We do this because healing is possible. Abuse and neglect do not have to dictate the future of a child.
On River Time’s life affirming programming, including our fly fishing camps, SOAR life skills, mentoring, and college and career scholarships, tap into four “protective factors” that psychologists say are necessary to help a child overcome abuse.
1) Building resilience and confidence– through new experiences like flying on a plane for the first time, learning how to fly fish, and meeting new people. They are also inspired by individuals who overcame childhood trauma and have gone on to live healthy, happy, successful lives.
2) Expressing support– Trust is built as campers are encouraged by caring leaders, as well as other campers and peer mentors. That support continues long after camp through the SOAR program, mentorship, and scholarships.
3) Building connections– through laughter and play, campers make lasting connections with adults and peers in a safe space.
4) Allowing the child to express his or her feelings in a safe environment– through moments such as our fireside ceremony, where we “burn our fears” by writing a fear and tossing it in the flames of a campfire, also devotions, and our final pinning ceremony where campers recognize those who impacted them at camp.
Through our life-affirming programming, our goal is to help children who come from a life of trauma to grow to be healthy, whole, independent adults.
We can only do that through your support. Please consider partnering with us to help change the life of a child for the better.
“When I think about the moments that are really going to make a difference and I see what happens here in 4-5 days.
It’s the difference between a life that is confused and disoriented versus a life with purpose. And that to me is all the difference that makes all this investment worth it.”