In all REACH relationships and events, we strive to embody our core values of unconditional acceptance and trust. This makes REACH a judgment-free zone where people can walk in and feel at home, just as they are. One of our young adult campers has enjoyed the joyful community at REACH for 25 years. This year at camp when we asked him how his year had been, he paused a moment as if deciding whether he wanted to “go there.” Then tears welled up in his eyes and he admitted the last two years had been the most difficult of his life. He shared some reasons why, and his burdens had truly been heavy. Up till this point, REACH had been his “happy place,” where he found energy and friendship, excitement and joy. But we feel privileged that after 25 years, when he needed something different, we could offer support for the real struggles of life. In moments like this we see the fruit of our commitment to walk alongside people for the long haul. When needs arise, we are in ongoing relationship with REACH individuals and able to respond.

One of our REACH teens has been going through a beautiful transformation over the last few years. As a child “Mary” was quiet and somewhat withdrawn, coping with challenging family dynamics including HIV stigma and divorce. As she entered her teen years, Mary began spending time with an outstanding REACH mentor. Soon after, she volunteered to read Scripture for our 2020 online camp worship service. Mary kept her video off for the whole service except when she was reading, but she did a beautiful job. In 2021, when camp returned to in-person, Mary handled all the communication with REACH and registered each member of her large family to attend. She did the same thing for her family members this year at camp. When camp friends and volunteers began coaxing Mary to do an act at talent show, she hesitantly signed up to sing a song.

Traditionally, the talent show is our most clear display of REACH’s core value of unconditional acceptance, as performers receive cheers and applause and standing ovations whether they tell a joke, do a magic trick, or dance for 20 seconds. Despite this welcoming vibe, Mary found herself extremely nervous when it was her turn. She took the cordless mic out the back doors of the auditorium and into the hallway where no one could see her. She could still hear the music from out there, and when it was time, Mary began to sing. By the middle of the song, she emerged through the double doors and into view. By the end of the song, Mary was on stage singing with confidence, a joyful smile on her face. Many campers and volunteers said this was the most meaningful moment of camp, seeing Mary be cheered on, embraced, and encouraged to be brave. To us, it felt like an outward representation of the transformation we sensed has been happening inside her for the last three years. In Mary’s own words: “I was encouraged to sing although I started from the back, and now I feel less fear.”