
Trust in Balance and Support
Empowering Teens: Pathway Caring for Children’s TRUST Camp Experience
At Pathway Caring for Children, we believe in helping children and families realize their lives’ possibilities through foster care, adoption, and mental health services. One of our most impactful programs is TRUST Camp, designed to provide stability and support for teens who often lack these crucial elements in their daily lives.
Finding Stability in Nature
TRUST Camp takes place at Camp Koinonia in Geneva, Ohio, offering teens from Northeast Ohio a week-long adventure in the woods. This natural setting serves as the first step in restoring balance to their lives:
- No cell service eliminates outside distractions
- The sounds of birds and a peaceful creek create a calming atmosphere
- Tall pine trees provide a serene backdrop
- Friendly camp staff welcome teens with warm smiles
The Fulcrum Challenge: A Lesson in Teamwork
On the first day of camp, Camp Koinonia director Randy introduces a powerful team-building exercise involving a large wooden platform balanced on a central beam. This activity mirrors the concept of a fulcrum, which teens may remember from their 4th-grade science classes.
The challenge:
- Keep the platform stable and straight with every camper on it
- If the platform tilts to one side, the group must start over
This exercise teaches valuable lessons in the following:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Trust-building
- Teamwork
Overcoming Obstacles: Andrew’s Story
Andrew, a young man with physical limitations and low self-esteem, initially hesitated to participate. However, Randy’s perceptive leadership turned this into a transformative opportunity:
- Randy designated Andrew as the team leader
- The group gave Andrew their full attention and respect
- Campers offered encouragement and suggestions
- A fellow camper extended a helping hand to Andrew
This experience showcases how Pathway Caring for Children’s programs can boost confidence and foster inclusivity among teens.
The Impact of TRUST Camp on Teens
TRUST Camp provides a unique environment where teens can:
- Leave behind the stress of daily life
- Experience the joy of being a kid
- Form new friendships
- Interact with supportive adults invested in their success
Key Benefits for Participants
- Improved communication skills
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- Increased self-confidence
- Development of empathy and kindness
- Formation of strong bonds with peers
Introduce Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can help teenagers calm their minds during stressful moments. Some effective methods include:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Teach them to inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide them through mindfulness practices.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to relieve tension.
Encourage your teen to explore these techniques and find what works best for them.
How Pathway Caring for Children Supports Teens Beyond TRUST Camp
While TRUST Camp is a cornerstone program, Pathway Caring for Children offers a range of services to support teens and their families:
Foster Care and Foster-to-Adoption Services
- Therapeutic foster homes for children with emotional, behavioral, or social issues
- Support for sibling groups and teenagers in foster care
- Adoption services to help create forever families
Mental Health Services
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- School-based mental health support in multiple districts
- Early Childhood Mental Health programs
Transitional Age Services
- Support for young adults transitioning out of foster care
- Life skills training and guidance
Family Empowerment Program
- Assistance for foster, adoptive, and kinship families
- Resources to help families manage challenges
The Pathway Difference
Pathway Caring for Children’s commitment to helping teens extends beyond single programs like TRUST Camp. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Trauma-informed care practices
- 24/7 support for foster families
- Community building initiatives
- Ongoing training and education for caregivers
- Advocacy for children’s needs
By providing a network of support, Pathway ensures that teens have the resources they need to thrive, not just during camp but throughout their journey to adulthood.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The success of programs like TRUST Camp relies on the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. Here’s how you can help:
- Become a foster parent and provide a stable home for a teen in need
- Volunteer your time to support our programs and events
- Donate to help fund life-changing experiences like TRUST Camp
- Spread awareness about the importance of supporting foster youth and adoptive families
At Pathway Caring for Children, we believe that every teen deserves the chance to find their balance, build trust, and realize their full potential. Through programs like TRUST Camp and our comprehensive support services, we’re committed to making this vision a reality for children and families across Northeast Ohio.
Together, we can create a future where every child has the support and stability they need to succeed. Join us in our mission to help children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health services.