Young Hearts, Heavy Burdens. . .

Young Hearts, Heavy Burdens — and the Healing They Found at Courage Youth Camp

This year, we joyfully restarted our beloved Courage Youth Camp after a five-year hiatus due to Covid and financial constraints. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we gathered 59 Courage Youth students and 20 staff for a transformative four-day adventure. 

One of the most powerful moments was the return of the deeply meaningful "I Am Your Parent" session — a sacred space where young, hurting hearts could finally open, where deep pain was met with compassion, and where learners found safety, peace, and the healing presence of God.

A Safe Place to Speak

During the "I Am Your Parent" session, our Courage Youth learners met privately with trusted staff members — standing in for the parents they longed to reach — to share what had been too heavy, too painful, or too frightening to say at home.

For many of the boys, the pain was so deep that words failed them. Instead, they wept openly, unburdening themselves through tears.

The girls found their voices, bravely speaking aloud hurts they had carried for far too long.

Through this deeply emotional time, we witnessed hearts breaking open — and God’s healing love rushing in to meet them.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

A Second Chance to Be Heard

On Day 2 of camp, learners who had been unable to speak during the first session were given another opportunity.

Through writing heartfelt letters to their parents, they found a new path to express long-held secrets, deep hurts, and hidden fears.

The simple act of putting pen to paper unlocked a new wave of freedom and healing. Many campers described feeling lighter, more at peace, and more connected to God’s love for them.

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Healing Across Every Part of Life

The "I Am Your Parent" Challenge invited campers to explore and express their struggles across five key areas: Spiritual, Mental, Social, Physical, and Emotional. In this sacred space, hurting hearts could finally open. Deep pain was met with compassion. For many learners, it was the first time they had ever spoken their fears, wounds, and longings aloud.

With the support of their Courage Youth leaders, they experienced the profound relief of being heard, understood, and prayed over. In this rare environment of trust and grace, young hearts encountered comfort, restoration, and the transformative power of God's presence.

We are deeply grateful to God and to our loyal donors for making this experience possible. After so many years, the impact was undeniable — lives were changed, burdens were lifted, and hope was reborn.

We trust that the seeds of healing planted at Camp 2024 will continue to grow, flourish, and bear fruit in the lives of these precious young people.