Tag Archive for: camp

August Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community Await

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August Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community Await

As summer begins to wind down, August is the perfect time to reconnect, recharge, and spend time with people who understand your journey. At REACH Ministries, we believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. Whether you’ve been part of our community for years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of everything happening this month.

Each of our programs is designed to create meaningful connections while providing encouragement, friendship, and opportunities to simply enjoy being together. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. At REACH, you’ll find a community that celebrates who you are and walks alongside you every step of the way.

Positive Adults Support Group

Monday, August 3 & 17 • 12:00 PM • Zoom

Living with HIV comes with unique experiences, and sometimes the greatest gift is simply having a place where you don’t have to explain yourself. Our Positive Adults Support Group offers a welcoming, judgment-free space for adults living with HIV to connect with others who truly understand.

Whether you’d like to share what’s on your mind, ask questions, celebrate victories, or simply listen, you’re welcome exactly as you are. Every conversation is built on respect, encouragement, and the understanding that we are stronger together.

Parents of Positive Children Support Group

Tuesday, August 4 • 7:30 PM

Parents and caregivers often carry so much on their shoulders. This support group provides a safe place to connect with other families who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising a child living with HIV.

Together we share experiences, offer encouragement, celebrate milestones, and remind one another that none of us has to walk this journey alone. The friendships built here often extend far beyond our meetings, creating a lasting network of support for the whole family.

Creative Expressions

Tuesday, August 18 • 11:00 AM • REACH Office

No artistic experience? No problem!

Creative Expressions is about much more than making art. It’s about taking time to relax, express yourself, and enjoy creating alongside others in a supportive environment. Whether you’re painting, crafting, or trying something completely new, you’ll discover that creativity has a wonderful way of reducing stress, building confidence, and bringing people together.

Come ready to laugh, create, and leave with something you’ve made—and hopefully a few new friendships too.

Creative Expressions Club

Tuesday, August 25 • 5:00–6:00 PM • Zoom

Our Creative Expressions Club brings creativity right into your home. Participants receive a project kit in the mail before we gather together on Zoom to create as a group.

Perfect for kids and teens, this interactive club combines hands-on projects with conversation, encouragement, and lots of fun. Even though we’re meeting virtually, participants quickly discover that creativity is one of the best ways to build community across the miles.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, August 26 • 7:30 PM • Zoom

For those who have lived with HIV since childhood or early in life, our Lifetime Survivors Support Group offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar life experiences.

This group is built on understanding, resilience, and hope. Members support one another through life’s successes and challenges while honoring the incredible strength that comes from years of perseverance. The relationships formed here remind us that no one has to carry their story alone.

Don’t Forget—Labor Day Getaway Is Almost Here!

August is also your reminder to register for one of our favorite weekends of the year—the REACH Labor Day Getaway, September 4–7!

This unforgettable weekend is filled with adventure, laughter, creative activities, delicious meals, campfires, swimming, zip lines, giant swings, theme nights, and countless opportunities to build friendships that last long after the weekend ends. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to see familiar faces, there’s a place for you.

Our 2026 theme, Rooted in Belonging, celebrates something we all need: a place where we are accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow. We hope you’ll join us for a weekend filled with joy, connection, and memories your family will treasure.

We look forward to seeing you this August—whether online, at the REACH office, or at Labor Day Getaway. Every conversation, every smile, every creative project, and every shared experience helps strengthen the incredible community we’ve built together.

Because at REACH, you belong.

For People Living with HIV – It’s about a Steady Building of Trust

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Three lively conversations were humming simultaneously, as REACH adults explored the theme of Rooted in Belonging in the breakout session. They were chatting about the difference between belonging and fitting in, with plenty of examples to share about places they were accepted unconditionally, versus groups where they had to hold back or limit themselves to fit in.

As usual, it took some effort to rally the groups back together in one big circle. As chairs were being slid and scooted back into place… a surprised voice burst out, “Wait, REACH is Christian?” I (Pam) answered in the usual way, “Yes, REACH staff and board members are Christians; our volunteers and participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Our posture as a non-profit is to not be preachy or pushy. We measure whether all participants are feeling 100% welcomed multiple times every year, and thankfully we have always gotten 100% positives!”

As I prepared to move on to our next breakout topic, “Elaine” my immediate neighbor in the circle announced, “REACH is the one Christian group I’ve been a part of since the mid-1980s that has been completely non-judgmental. So many of us were put out of our churches just because of our status!” Her voice quivered midway through the last sentence so I instinctively put my arm around her for a side hug. She responded so enthusiastically we ended up bumping heads!

It’s a privilege to extend unconditional acceptance and love to people who have been judged and hurt by some churches and some Christians. It may take a while for these participants to believe what we say and trust us, but time is on our side as we have been building safe community for 31 years.

Labor Day Getaway: Resilience shines despite HIV stigma

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At Labor Day Getaway, the warmth of REACH embraced eight new attendees and three new volunteers. As always, we could see our community in a fresh light through their eyes. Somehow, in a balance difficult to achieve, long-time friends excitedly caught up with each other and new participants were joyfully welcomed.

Here are a few snapshots:

  • A teen coming off a difficult year, found the strength to sing a solo in front of everyone. Her bravery came from the moral support of one friend and one volunteer doing “interpretive dance” on either side of the stage to take the spotlight off her. All three performers were wildly entertaining. Two in the silliest ways, and one in a sincere heartfelt way.
  • A mom still reeling from recent traumas plus the daily stresses of life gravitated toward a young adult she could encourage and befriend. They even shared the same heart language.
  • A tween arrived glowering and departed smiling and giving hugs.
  • Five young children became the best of friends. Staff and REACH parents giggled when the kids would say, That’s my brother.” “Hey, sister!” and “Those are my kids over there.” Yes, the 3-year-old dubbed the slightly older children her “kids.”
  • At her third consecutive REACH Getaway, a young mom felt safe enough to share a brief, timid glimpse into the dark times in her past and how she sees so much more life and hope now. She had told us previously that she wanted to share more but was not ready. What a privilege to earn her trust.

A first-time participant told us, “It is good to find a family.”
A single adult said, “Sharing our experience was a relief to me. I was so comfortable to say anything without being judged.”
A teen said, “I am new here. It was perfect. I’ve learned to be resilient.”

August 2025 Events at REACH+ Final Call for Labor Day Getaway!

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August is in full swing, and we’re excited to share what’s happening at REACH this month—plus a final reminder about our biggest event of the year: Labor Day Weekend Getaway!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a new family, or a partner organization, we invite you to share these opportunities with anyone who could use connection, support, and a little summer joy.

🌟 August Events

Here’s what we have coming up:

  • Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 AM – Ladies’ Zoom Chat
    A cozy online hangout for the women in our community to relax, laugh, and connect.

  • Wednesday, August 13 at 7:30 PM – Lifetime Survivors Group
    A safe space for those who have been living with HIV since childhood or early life.

  • Monday, August 18 at 12:00 PM – Positive Adults Group
    A supportive group for adults living with HIV to share and grow together.

  • Tuesday, August 19 at 11:30 AM – Creative Expressions (at the REACH Office)
    This month we’re painting rocks—come get creative, enjoy some snacks, and express yourself through art!

🏕️ Final Push: Labor Day Weekend Getaway | August 29–September 1

Time is running out! Our Labor Day Getaway is almost here, and we’re finalizing registration numbers this week.

If you or someone you know has been planning to register—don’t wait!
This 4-day camp-style retreat is packed with fun activities, good food, beautiful accommodations, and most importantly—community.
We welcome individuals and families affected by HIV, and we intentionally create a safe, joyful space for all ages.

💲 Cost: $40/person | Max $200/family
📝 Register Now: Labor Day Registration – REACH Ministries

Thanks to our community of partners, supporters, and volunteers, we’re ready to make this year’s getaway the most meaningful yet. We can’t wait to gather, grow, and wrap up summer—the REACH way.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime.
📧 cbryan@reachministries.org | 📱 Text: 253-383-7616

schedule of august events

 

New Labor Day Getaway Location

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Our REACH community is growing, as more and more people living with HIV join us. And we found a new Labor Day Getaway location that’s just the right size! It’s still in the “north of Seattle” region, but will be a brand new experience.

REACH staff visited the venue for an in-depth tour last week and got even more excited than we were before. The camp staff can’t wait to welcome REACH participants, and they share a similar heart for creating spaces for everyone to be accepted and flourish.

Whether you’re a potential volunteer or potential guest, we hope you’ll join us August 29-September 1! We will certainly be welcoming many first-timers and it will be a special year of Getaway.

March Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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Spring is right around the corner, and we’re embracing the season of renewal, connection, and growth with a lineup of events designed to support, uplift, and inspire! Whether you’re looking for a space to share, create, or retreat, March has something for everyone in the REACH community.

Mark Your Calendar!

📅 Friday, March 14
👩‍👧 Young Moms Group | 10:00 AM | In-Person
A welcoming space for young mothers to connect, share experiences, and find support.

💙 Positive Adult Support Group | 12:00 PM | Zoom
A virtual space for adults living with HIV to gather, share, and encourage one another in a judgment-free setting.

📅 Wednesday, March 19
📱 Teens Zoom Group | 6:00 PM | Zoom
A relaxed, fun, and safe space for teens to chat, share, and support each other. New faces are always welcome!

📅 Thursday, March 20
🎨 Creative Expressions | 11:00 AM | In-Person
Tap into your creativity with this hands-on event! Whether it’s painting, writing, or crafting, this is your time to express yourself in a supportive space.

📅 Wednesday, March 26
🌿 Lifetime Survivors Support Group | 7:30 PM | Zoom
For those who have lived with HIV for many years, this group offers a space to reflect, connect, and navigate life’s journey together.

📅 Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30
🏕️ Spring Getaway | 5:30 PM Friday – Noon Sunday
One of our biggest events of the season! A weekend retreat filled with laughter, relaxation, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re coming for the fun, the friendships, or the fresh air, this is a weekend to recharge and reconnect.

Join Us!

If you’re interested in attending any of these events, reach out for more details! We can’t wait to see you this March as we continue to build connections, break stigma, and support one another.

👉 Need more info? Contact us at cbryan@reachministries.org or pwenz@reachministries.org

events

So many NEW (& amazing) REACH participants

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In the last two years, REACH has welcomed 30 new participants with HIV. Of course this means we have also welcomed their numerous family members. REACH is growing!

The stories behind the referrals are as diverse as the people themselves — brand new diagnoses, long-term survivors who just heard about REACH, immigrants, adoptees, and more. Whether the person is reeling from their recent HIV test, or feeling long-term lonely because no one “gets” their journey with HIV… we are confident that unconditional acceptance and safe community — the essence of REACH — will meet them where they need it most.

What a joyful privilege it is to introduce a new acquaintance to the community of REACH. The relief, friendship, and healing we observe is a constant reminder that what REACH offers is unique and needed.

To our supporters — thank you for keeping REACH going for 28 years and beyond. Safe community never ages, no matter how demographics or specific needs might shift.

To our referral partners — thank you for entrusting us with your precious patients and clients. Your enthusiasm for sending them our way shows how much you care about the whole person.

REACH Campers Speak Up About Camp

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Parents:

“REACH has been transformative and life-giving to each of my kids.”

New parent: “This is definitely a community. No wonder there are campers coming back every year.”

“REACH Camp is my sanctuary. As a single parent, it is hard to be able to put down responsibility and let my nervous system relax and recalibrate. When I’m at Camp, I feel my defenses come down and I can take a deep breath.”

“Next week I am having several conversations with the school and others to put together a wrap-around team for my daughter. I will be sure to keep ‘Works in Progress’ as a central guiding principle and remind myself she (and we) are doing the best we can.”

“[I had] deep one-on-ones with other parents going through the same stuff.”

“One of my favorite parts, and a time I feel I can share, is guy group. It’s a unique place with a group of guys with families and lives similar to mine. I look forward to these conversations.”

“During group I felt safe to show my emotions.”

“I felt support for my family … knowing that my kids are safe, and the worth my kids and I felt.”

“I received understanding and love.”

“People looked out for me – they encouraged me to rest, to keep holding boundaries, to keep hoping.”

“In the adult breakout groups, it felt good to share my truth and also hear the ideas of others, which can be quite different from mine.”

“In parent group several parents nodded in agreement when I described my struggle.”

“I love knowing it is only months away to face-to-face see each other. But we have Zooms to fill in the gap!”

Teens:

“I was accepted all weekend.”

“When I performed my act at the talent show, everybody clapped and celebrated me.”

“I saw many people be inclusive of the Spanish-speaking families by making an effort and offering their own skills for communicating.”

“At night when we discussed the theme, I felt safe from judgment when I offered my own thoughts in the conversation.”

“Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed by life’s expectations or unaccepted, I remember that I have a REACH family; someone who loves me and wants the best for me always.”

“If I am ever feeling frustrated or upset about all of life’s problems and expectations – and like I won’t ever be able to get myself together – I know now that there is nothing wrong with admitting that I am slowly coming together. What amazing grace is in the phrase ‘a work in progress.’”

“I felt like I could be myself and people would accept me.”

“In every group I hung out with, I could easily flow into their conversations.”

“Though I may not feel comfortable in my body and with how I look, I know that I am a work in progress. I’m not perfect, and I’ll never be, but Jesus is still making me.”

Single Adults:

“I don’t want to leave.”

“I really needed this weekend.”

“Everyone was very welcoming.”

“I was included into every group activity.”