Tag Archive for: getaway

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

 

Calling All Volunteers: It’s Time to Get Wild at the Labor Day Getaway 2025!

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Volunteers Wanted!
Jungle games, glow paint, and unforgettable memories await.

If you’ve ever been to a REACH Labor Day Getaway, you know it’s not your average weekend. It’s laughter echoing through the trees, late-night campfire chats, spontaneous dance parties, and bonds that last way beyond the weekend.

Well… we’re doing it again. And this year, it’s going to be WILD.

Volunteer registration is officially OPEN, and we’re bringing the energy for this year’s Labor Day Getaway! Whether you’re a seasoned camp pro or thinking about joining us for the first time, we want you on our team.

💥 This Year’s Big Theme: Resilience
We’ve all been through a lot these past few years—and this Getaway is about celebrating how far we’ve come and the strength we carry forward. But don’t worry, we’re keeping it light, loud, and fun. Because at REACH, resilience doesn’t have to be serious all the time—it can glow in the dark.

🌿 Day 1 Theme: Jungle Resilience
We’re diving headfirst into the jungle—figuratively, of course (though rumor has it the Reptile Man might show up). This day is all about unleashing your wild side with team challenges and tribe spirit.

💡 Think:

  • Survivor-style challenges (minus the TV drama, plus more laughs)
  • Tribe games and chants
  • Creative chaos, and maybe even a few surprises

⛈ Day 2 Theme: Weather the Storm
Grab your rain boots and your grit— This day’s theme is all about tapping into the strength, silliness, and spirit that make our REACH community unstoppable.


💡 Think:

  • Mini Olympics
  • Glow-in-the-dark paint parties
  • Team relays and inflatable madness

 🎯 What’s in Store All Weekend Long:

This isn’t your average weekend away—it’s a full-on REACH-style adventure with all the good stuff included:

🍽 All meals & snacks provided – 3 delicious meals plus 2 snacks a day (no cooking, no clean-up, just enjoy!)
🛏 Hotel-style accommodations – Rooms with real beds, linens, and a bathroom—no tent camping!
🎨 Creative Expression sessions – Art-based outlets for all ages to create, unwind, and connect
🌳 Outdoor adventures – Pool time, archery, inflatables, and wide-open spaces to explore
🦸‍♂️ Counselor Crew – Each counselor is paired with 2–3 kids, building friendships and sharing the full camp experience together from breakfast through bedtime
🌈 Theme nights & social events – Jungle games, glow paint parties, and nighttime socials for kids, teens, and adults
🔥 Campfires & connection – Music, s’mores, and late-night laughs under the stars

Whether you’re cheering at the Mini Olympics, getting messy with paint, or just soaking in the joy around you—this is a weekend that fills hearts and builds lifelong bonds.

We may not have kayaks or zip lines this year, but we do have everything you need to make memories, build connections, and create a weekend full of laughter, movement, and meaning.

Whether you’ve been volunteering for years or this is your first time, you’ll be part of something that matters. You’ll help create joy, build connections, and give families a weekend they’ll never forget.

📝 Ready to jump in?
Volunteer registration is officially OPEN! Spots go fast, and we’d love to see some familiar faces (plus a few new ones).

👉 Sign up here

Let’s make this the wildest, most joy-filled Getaway yet. See you in the jungle! 🐒✨