Matthew was sitting at a picnic table near the swimming pool, working diligently to open the wrapper on his KitKat bar. When his friend Stuart joined him at the table, he picked up Matthew’s towel to move it out of the way. Matthew immediately jumped to his feet, snatched his towel away from Stuart in anger, and socked him in the arm.
Their cabin leader immediately intervened, leading Matthew aside to discuss his behavior. “Why did you do that?” he asked.
Matthew rubbed his head with the towel, looking down at the ground. “I don’t know,” he mumbled. And that was the most honest answer Matthew could possibly have given.
Last month, our program director Mikel and I had the opportunity to attend specialized TBRI training in Texas. TBRI, or Trust Based Relational Intervention, a holistic, evidence-based approach to working with children who are suffering the effects of trauma.
At South Mountain, we have many campers who have suffered trauma from abuse, neglect, family loss, or other events. Many times, as in the example of Matthew, they act impulsively and irrationally, and they sincerely don’t understand why.
At TBRI training, Mikel and I gained great insights into understanding why these kids struggle to govern their own behavior and how to work with them. The goal is not to just manage kids but to guide them into transformation and healing. The heart of TBRI is centered in the gospel, and we are excited to implement this training with our campers and staff this summer.
There are so many kids like Matthew who are victims of trauma, and we want to reach them with the love of Jesus Christ applied to every part of their lives. South Mountain is a great place for that to happen, and you and I have the opportunity to be a part of it together. With your support, we will bring these hurting kids to a place unlike any other where they will learn and experience the healing power of God in their lives.
If you would like to partner with us by sponsoring a child in need to attend summer camp, you can make your donation through the Donate button below or mail your check to South Mountain Christian Camp at PO Box 9, Bostic NC 28018.
A Free Gift For You
I would love to send you a free, autographed copy of my book, Footsteps of Faith. This ministry autobiography shares some incredible stories of God's hand at work in my life, at South Mountain Christian Camp, and in the lives of our campers. To receive your free copy, place your order through the link below. No purchase is required. Donations are deeply appreciated.
