James grinned as soon as he got off the Scio, Oregon, T.R.A.C. bus and spied Ted. The two knew each other from Royal Family KIDS Camp where Coach Ted organized the games.
“You hiding a water balloon?” Ted narrowed his eyes, searching James for any concealed balloons. The happy go-lucky teenager was famous for nailing Ted.
James stuck out empty hands and laughed. “Just wait till later.”
The campers headed toward three new cabins, each fitted with permanent bunks, carpet and electricity. Volunteers used materials purchased through grant money from the Siletz Tribe to build cabins.
“Did you see the plaques?” James pulled Ted toward the nearest one. The two had discovered they were from the same Native American Tribe at an earlier camp. “The cabins are from our tribe.”
Ted and James admired the 9×6-inch wooden plaque over the door. “The Siletz Tribe” was engraved on a brass plate.
Pride radiated from James’ dark eyes. “Our tribe did this.”
James turned 16 the following year, so he was too old for camp, but Gary and Palma, the directors, invited him to a skit performed by their church based on the movie Facing the Giants.
The kid with the huge smile and long dark hair had shot up and thinned out.
“My mom’s out of prison now,” James told the directors. “She has custody of a few of us.” Five of her seven kids had been campers at Royal Family KIDS or T.R.A.C., so the family was close to Gary and Palma’s hearts.
“T.R.A.C. and Royal Family KIDS brought stability to my life,” James shared. “Thank you.”
Palma squeezed Gary’s hand. He’d quit his job as an engineer consultant to be home more for T.R.A.C., and she’d joined Time and Serena after 35 years of nursing to plant camps across the country. Even their 10 acres was dedicated to the ministry. The reason: kids like James and a chance to share hope with the future.
From Just Three Days: From Heartbreak to Hope compiled and written by Angela Welch Prusia