CHAOS TO PEACE
When camper Christopher first stepped off the bus at T.R.A.C. Lakeland, counselor Brandon immediately noticed how hyperactive and nervous the young guy was. Smaller in stature than most of the other boys who arrived at camp for the weekend, Christopher was making sure his loud and unpredictable personality would make him noticeable.
Trying to settle down for bed on the first night, Christopher was so dysregulated that Brandon began to think that this would be a very long night, and potentially a very long weekend.
“I didn’t even want to be here.”
Over the course of the weekend, however – growing more accustomed to the rhythms at T.R.A.C. with activities such as CrossTalk, Gutsy Conversations, waterside games and shared meals, Christopher began to regulate and open up to his cabin. He shared about the pain of a parent incarcerated and another parent deceased.
Later in the day at camp, Brandon pulled Christopher aside between activities and assured him that his story mattered, and that Brandon and other volunteers at camp were there to talk and to pray with him if needed.
Upon day 3 of TRAC and as things started to come to a close, Christopher began to reflect on his initial feelings about coming to camp compared to his feelings about leaving. Christopher confided in counselor Brandon,
“I didn’t even want to be here – my guardians signed me up for this camp. And now I don’t want to leave!”
We are so thankful to serve a God who brings peace out of chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33) and uses volunteers at T.R.A.C. to minister to those like Christopher who feel uncertain of their place in life or uncertain of themselves, assuring them that they are known by God and loved by Him. What a good God we serve: He sees our circumstances, cares about our stories and makes us feel welcomed into His love.
2022 t.r.a.c. lakeland
CAMP MAGIC
Magic shows are full of wonder and surprise. Good magic drops jaws and widens eyes, leaving onlookers with one simple question: “How did they do that?”
T.R.A.C. is a simple operation. There are no slights of hand in the way of purpose or agenda. Key volunteer positions are filled for support, novel camp experiences are planned, and teens who are too often turned away are welcomed. Fun is had; hope is shared.
One essential position that is filled is camp nurse. Nurses are great no matter where you meet them. They are attentive. They are advocates. They are magicians in their own right, easing upset tummies and itching insect bites with ease of knowledge and a calming disposition. Meeting a nurse at camp is a right of passage. It means you’ve been through the camp trenches some way, somehow. The camp nurse makes sure you make it back home in one piece.
“Meeting a nurse at camp is a right of passage.”
If T.R.A.C. Lakeland awarded purple hearts, Tony would have received it for the sheer number of times he had to meet with Camp Nurse Michelle. Tony had a newly diagnosed medical condition that required regular monitoring. Nurse Michelle, undeterred, acquired all the tools necessary to ensure Tony had safe fun at camp. And fun he did have! Despite his sleepless nights of being woken for medical attention, Tony was energetic and enthusiastic at every event. That is, until the friendly game of Capture the Flag: Cabins vs Staff. Tony became irritable and inconsolable over what he viewed as inadequate footwear. Numerous staff members paused to listen and encourage him, but none could convince him to join in the game. The missed opportunity only worsened his mood. He headed back toward his cabin, darkened by disappointment.
Uncle Hugo and BE-SPEC (Behavior Specialist) Cami took notice and presented Tony with an opportunity to talk. At first, Tony declined Cami’s listening ear. He shared that, though he didn’t want to offend her, he didn’t trust women. Respectfully, Cami gave Tony and Hugo some space.
“…whatever magic you performed at camp…”
Their talk lasted nearly an hour. What was shared by Tony will stay between them, but Hugo recounts that he himself had an opportunity to share where he found hope - in the person and work of Jesus. Tony walked to his cabin, endured another sleepless night, and returned to his foster home the next day.
We received an email from Tony’s foster dad that same week:
“I just wanted to let you know that whatever magic you performed at camp has changed Tony in a positive way. Prior to camp he barely spoke and didn’t speak to my wife and son at all. Last night when my wife came home from work he shared his photo album with her and stories. It is the most interaction he has had with her in three months. He has stayed downstairs with us watching tv, asking questions about what’s going on and showing interest in things. Just wanted to thank you again and let you know you changed Tony’s outlook on everything in a positive way.”
It seems there was some magic, as some might call it, at work at camp. A magic deeper than we could ever know that existed in “the stillness and darkness before Time dawned.” (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) We pray that Tony’s new outlook has his eyes set on that imperishable hope found in the One who existed before the dawn of time and who will exist forever more.
2021 t.r.a.c. lakeland
FORT
It’s short for “fortress.”
That’s what a fort seemed like as kids - laying a foundation of pillows and guarding secrets and silliness with every blanket in the house. Everyone invited into it felt secure and proud being there.
Jackie did not arrive at camp feeling either of those things. We were informed before she arrived that she was not verbal. We discovered when she arrived that her hygiene was seriously neglected and that her eyes darted away when she was asked direct questions. It begged more questions: What had this dear child been through? What was she about to go through? Would she be received by the other campers? Would she feel welcomed and wanted?
Before a single doubt or concern entered our minds, God drew up the blueprints to protect Jackie at T.R.A.C. Lakeland.
The first blanket of protection was her counselor, Gwen. A special education teacher by day, a soft-spoken jokester always, Gwen invited Jackie into a friendship-fort built on their subtle sassiness. A glance their way witnessed sweet smiles and giggles that no one else could possibly join in on because everyone else was simply too loud.
“God drew up the blueprints to protect Jackie…”
A closet full of blankets protected Jackie by way of a compassionate camp team. Nurse Chelsea soothingly talked Jackie through what to expect as she received needed eyedrops. Activities Director Sydni, present with Nurse Chelsea to follow safety protocol, felt Jackie’s hand confidently reach for her own as drop number two was being administered. Challenge Course facilitator Joe welcomed numerous rounds of Jackie playfully snatching his hat from his head and running away with it.
Then there were the blankets added that we could not have expected. Jackie’s fellow campers extended the warmth of acceptance instead of icy ridicule. During a challenge course activity, Jackie was the last camper that the group had to get across a huge “pit.” As Jackie enthusiastically plopped down on the dolly, it snapped in half, the resounding reality filling the gym. It was followed by tender echoes of “Is Jackie ok?” On the last day of Challenge Course, Jackie joined in with every member of her cabin as they united their voices in saying to each other, “Yes, we’ll support you!”
“…the last camper that the group had to get across a huge ‘pit.’”
Within the fort that God built for Jackie at camp, she learned about Joseph, the journey of his dreams, and how God was always with him. She was invited to dream big because there is a God who knows her by name and is always near. We hope that camp is a foreshadowing of Jesus becoming her Mighty Fortress and that she will one day walk securely in Him.