You Made This Possible!

Our two weeks of camps for teens living in group children's homes are complete and it's hard to put into words just how amazing those two weeks were. We cannot thank you enough for your love, prayers, and support for the kids we serve. Because of YOU, lives were impacted in a profound way at camp this year. Please take a quick moment to read our post camp report below. We hope it will be a blessing to you! 

Camp 1 from Still Creek Ranch and Palmer Home at The Lodge at Palisades Creek

Camp 2 from Big Oak Ranch at Grand Teton National Park

During Week 1 of camp we hosted Still Creek Ranch from Texas and Palmer Home from Mississippi. Our second week included kids and chaperones from Big Oak Ranch in Alabama. 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 Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Hole, WY. 

Days 2 & 4 - Fly Fishing on the Snake River

The kids quickly learn that On River Time camps are about so much more than fishing. The act of fly fishing helps the kids to slow down, experience peacefulness, and take in the beauty of God's creation in one of the most majestic landscapes in the United States. They also learn life lessons like leaving disappointments in the past and looking ahead, with hope, to what's around the bend. 

Burning Our Fears

While camp is filled with laughter and fun, we also have moments where the kids are able 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. Their stories would break your heart.

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, we sang "Fear is a Liar".

Day 3 - Grand Tetons

Week 2  - Big Oak Ranch at the Summit of the Grand Tetons 

On Day 3, we took a day trip to Grand Teton National Park. What a difference a few days make! For week, one this was a rainy day but we had a lot of excitement at the Summit of the Grand Tetons! A BLIZZARD!! We were shocked! Some were in shorts! We quickly made our way to Corbet's Cabin to warm up with their famous waffles. Week 2 offered better weather and the opportunity to hike around String Lake.

Week 1 - Rainy and a BLIZZARD at the Summit!

Week 2 - Sunny and Beautiful!

Day 5 - Whitewater Rafting Near Jackson Hole and Pinning Ceremony

Our last day began with whitewater rafting on the Snake River outside Jackson Hole. The water was cold and the rapids were high and fast! Talk about facing our fears! The kids were brave and loved every minute.

Pinning Ceremony

Our final night is our pinning ceremony where each camper recognizes someone who had an impact on them that week and shares their gratitude. 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.

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. We look forward to visiting them at their homes soon to offer additional programming. May their lives forever be impacted by their time spent On River Time.

Thank you for all you do to make this life-changing experience possible. Camp is our largest expense of the year. To partner with us and support opportunities like this for more kids in need, please click below to donate.  When you do, you are giving to a charity you can trust. On River Time just received a perfect score of 100 from Charity Navigator. (Of more than 225,000 charities Charity Navigator rates, less than one-tenth of one percent receive a perfect score!)


And we hope you will make plans to join us for our largest event of the year, Casting Hope on September 26th in Birmingham!