Tag Archive for: getaway

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.

REACH welcomed 13 First-time Participants to Spring Getaway

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From Hesitation to Belonging: A Spring Getaway Story from REACH Ministries (Tacoma, WA)

“Meryl” and her tween child signed up for the Spring Getaway because a family friend invited them. Meryl and this friend have a long history with each other, and she trusted her friend wouldn’t steer her wrong… but she was concerned that REACH sounded like a religious non-profit and she hoped she wouldn’t be judged or feel out of place for not being religious. She signed up anyway, hoping for the best.

A few days later, Pam called Meryl requesting an intake phone call to start building a relationship in advance of the Getaway. During the usual overview spiel, Pam explained some of the nuances of REACH.
That we focus on fun and laughter to build bonds…
That we don’t talk about HIV from the front or in conversations outside of adult support groups because children might not know their status or their parents’ status…
That we are a Christian non-profit committed to not being preachy or pushy, and our volunteers and participants come from all backgrounds and give us consistently high scores for feeling 100% welcome…
Meryl interrupted, saying, “That makes me feel so much better! I was worried about that religious part!”

From the very first evening at the Getaway, Meryl participated full throttle. Running to get the middle spot in human tic tac toe, jokingly offering the worst possible advice in a game called “Reverse Advice,” prancing along doing the “caterpillar conga” with balloons cushioning her and her teammates’ abdomens. Her face radiated joy.

During our Closing Ceremony, Meryl stood up and shared with the whole group that she had never been in a group of people where she got consistently smiled at in such a sincere way. She couldn’t believe those smiles lasted all weekend. There were no cliques, only the feeling of being completely welcomed and embraced and… smiled at! Her voice quivered for a few of her sentences, but she pressed on, determined to express her appreciation.

It never gets old, seeing people experience the unconditional acceptance of the REACH community for the first time. They sense immediately they are in a judgment-free zone, a place of joy, filled with genuine smiles and listening ears.

*One week after the Getaway, Meryl let us know they were having “withdrawals.” She said they felt it as soon as they drove away from the venue on the last day of the Getaway, and it hasn’t subsided yet. We reminded her that she can join us for Zoom support groups twice a month, and the summer picnic and Labor Day Getaway will be here before we know it!

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! 🐒✨