Frequently Asked Questions
Who attends T.R.A.C.? What ages?
Youth who are in or have been in foster care between the ages of 12 thru 15. This includes youth who have been reunited with biological families or adopted.
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When and how long is T.R.A.C.?
We have two separate camps – one for boys and one for girls. Each camp is three days (early Friday morning through late Sunday afternoon). Dates for 2023 - Girls: July 21-23, Boys: July 28-30
Where is T.R.A.C.?
We prefer to keep the exact location limited to only those that must know. This is for the safety and confidentiality of the campers. Caseworkers or guardians can be provided this information.
What does T.R.A.C. cost?
T.R.A.C. is free! 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, BBs, boating, 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 June 1, 2023. 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 Placement Coordinator will be making every effort to keep in touch with past campers and get their applications in early. 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?
T.R.A.C. staff is not trained to work with youth who are severely disabled, mentally or physically. However, 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 directors attend 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. In addition, T.R.A.C. Camas requires that all of our senior staff be trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TRBI) through attendance at either an Empowered to Connect conference or similar on-line program. This ensures that the key decision-making staff have the best possible understanding for how to manage behavioral issues and ensure that every camper has a successful camp experience. The TRBI training that we are requiring for our camp is in addition to the stated national requirements.
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. 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.
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.​