What does T.R.A.C. cost?

We want to provide this camp as a service to the youth and foster families and therefore we do not charge to attend our camp. 

Is T.R.A.C. a religious camp? If so, do campers have to share the same views to attend?

We are a faith-based camp. However, we do not proselytize and we welcome campers of all religious views.  We respect their right to believe as they choose.  Our curriculum provided by the Teen Reach National Headquarters is based on characters in the Bible to encourage, inspire and grow character in the youth who attend T.R.A.C.  The curriculum offers positive life lessons in overcoming difficult circumstances regardless of their belief system.

What activities are available for youth at T.R.A.C.?

Activities include but are not limited to: archery, canoeing and/or swimming, activities/crafts center and challenge course. The challenge course is an integral part of Teen Reach Adventure Camps as this is a place where campers are challenged to greater trust and teamwork. They have fun and it allows them to connect more quickly to their fellow campers and counselors. 

How does my youth sign up for T.R.A.C.?

Space is limited so we do require that each camper have an application submitted to us by February 9, 2024 for Girls Camp and April 5, 2024 for Boys Camp. Space at camp is filled on a first-come, first-served basis allowing for returning campers after the first year. If space is available, we will accept late applications as well. We encourage return campers so our Camper Recruitment Coordinator will be making every effort to keep in touch with past campers and get their applications in early.  Camp alumni applications must be received by the due date to be given priority. Once campers’ applications have been accepted, the case-worker/foster family/guardian will be advised of the date, time and location for registration. The camper must be accompanied by an adult to registration where they will be accepted into our care and bussed to the camp location.

My youth has specialized behavioral needs. Can T.R.A.C. manage difficult youth?

Teen Reach is a national organization with a proven model for camps that are designed specifically for youth involved with foster care and their special needs. Camp leadership attends six days of national training on running camps on this model before they are allowed to start a camp.  We are required to have a professional mental health counselor at camp 24 hours a day.  And we are required to have a medical staff person with a minimum of LPN or RN credentials at camp 24 hours a day to ensure that medications are properly handled.  We have a camper to counselor ratio of only 2 to 1 to ensure that each camper gets the personal attention they need.  When necessary, we will arrange for a 1-to-1 pairing. Campers and Camp Counselors travel in groups of 2 Counselors and 4 Campers. 

Each counselor or staff person who will have direct contact with campers must attend 8 hours of training on the national model for their first year of service and 4 hours of refresher training each subsequent year. 

T.R.A.C. staff is not trained to work with youth who are severely disabled, mentally or physically. 

My youth has medical needs. Can accommodations be made?

T.R.A.C. strives to meet all medical needs, however there are some limitations. Special needs are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This is an outdoor camp and electricity is not available throughout all areas of the camp which can impose limitations.  We have a medical staff person at camp with a minimum of LPN or RN credentials 24 hours a day.  All medications are properly and securely stored by the medical staff and dispensed only as prescribed. The medical director will review all applications and determine if there are medications or medical needs involved that could indicate a risk to the camper to attend camp. T.R.A.C. will make accommodations as best as possible but only while still ensuring the safety and well-being of the camper. 

Please avoid putting youth on a ‘medication vacation’ prior to coming to T.R.A.C. 

Can T.R.A.C. accommodate dietary needs?

We will make every effort to accommodate dietary needs with accurate and timely notification at the time of application. This will allow T.R.A.C. to be prepared and have the appropriate food items in stock and plans to prevent cross-contamination in place. All staff serving or handling food will hold a current food handlers card.

What is the supervision of youth at T.R.A.C.?

Counselors are responsible to know where their campers are at all times. Campers are paired with counselors in a 2-to-1 ratio. Counselors are paired with a co-counselor who will also have up to 2 campers. Campers are not permitted to go off on their own.  They must stay with their group. If a camper does not want to participate in any given activity, we have a fully-staffed activity center where the camper can hang out, do crafts, or rest. Additionally, there is a two-deep rule that no adult is ever alone with a camper.  

What happens at registration?

Once applications have been accepted, parents/foster parents/legal guardians will be provided the date, time and location for registration.  Registration happens on the morning of the first day of camp. Registration is usually at a convenient community location such as a church or meeting place.

An adult guardian must accompany campers to registration to ensure that medications are properly turned over to the medical staff and that the camper and their belongings have been placed into our care. T.R.A.C. staff will let the adult know when it is okay for them to leave as there are a few different steps they will need to go with to with their youth.

In the same way, on return, the camper will only be released into the care of the appropriate adult guardian. Unless arrangements are made, this needs to be the same person who brought the camper to registration.

Is there a supply list for camp? What does my youth need to bring?

Camp will provide:

• A camper t-shirt for each day at camp (required to be worn except after shower time in the evenings when campers are in PJs)

• Bug spray (if there are sensitivities, campers may bring their own but it needs to be checked in as a medication with the medical staff)

• Sun screen

• Water bottle

Below is a typical packing list for a 3-day experience:

• Comfortable closed-toed shoes (like tennis shoes). Campers are required to wear these throughout camp (except at shower time) to avoid foot injuries

• Socks

• Flip-flops for shower time

• Water socks or old tennis shoes for in the river (rocky)

• Undergarments for 3 days

• Pants or shorts (modest please)

• Pajamas

• Jacket and/or sweatshirt for mornings and evenings

• Modest swim attire

• Sleeping bag

• Pillow

• Flashlight

• Toiletries (deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, etc.)

• Towel for showering and after water sports

• Wash cloth

• Medications (to be provided by adult accompanying camper directly to medical staff)

Note:  Paints and dyes and other craft items may be used at camp that could stain clothing or shoes so we strongly recommend that older clothes and shoes be brought and brand-new items left at home.

What campers MAY NOT bring to camp:

• Cell phones

• Electronic games

• Music players

• Anything that could be considered a weapon

• Chemicals, medications or drugs of any kind in their own possession

• Any reading material that could be considered profane or offensive