Jackson was 10 years old when he came to camp. His social worker informed us in the spring that although she believed Jackson would benefit from this camp, she wasn’t sure he would be a good fit. 

He had a history of violence, both with children and adults. You see, Jackson remembers being locked in a dishwasher and oven for “misbehaving”. He also witnessed his mother selling his younger sister to grown men for drug money. 

Jackson had severe trauma and rage inside of him. He had good reasons not to trust others, and not much reason to trust. He had bounced from foster home to foster home for several years because he was just too much to handle. 

He had been in the system for 5-6 years and even at 10 years old refused to talk about, or consider adoption. He believed the lie that he was unlovable, unworthy of a family. 

Jackson is the kind of kid that needs our help the most. Jackson is the kind of kid that will never be allowed to attend other summer camps because he’s seen as a “liability”, instead of a child that needs help. 

In Spring of 2019, he was living with a wonderful foster family. I wanted to invite him to camp,  but the social worker suggested a face-to-face discussion about laying down some ground rules. Jackson had heard about camp and was excited to be invited. He agreed to all of the rules. 

Fast forward to the week of camp. Jackson gets off the bus. He’s a little nervous in front of all these crazy people cheering him. 

You see, when the kids show up at camp, we treat them like royalty. We go above and beyond to let them know how much we appreciate them and love them…and they find it awkward at first… but it’s just what they need–to know they’re deserving.

It did not take long for Jackson to settle in. The week went great and he was a model camper. No behavior issues to speak of!! After the week was over, his foster parents could not believe the change in behavior. 

Jackson is now in the process of being adopted by a wonderful Christian family that just adores him. When his social worker asked him what made him ready to finally talk about and consider adoption, he simply said: “5 days changed my life!”