Travel and Outreach
One of our greatest joys during the year is taking many of the boys on mission trips, trips to speak about drug abuse to high schools, or trips to enjoy nature or our nation's heritage. Included in the photos above are some of those outreaches. The boys are the ones who learn so much from these trips, even if the goal is to help an orphanage in Guatemala. One of our students, Nolan, reported his experience and how it affected him...
"Guatemala opened my eyes to a world that seemed forgotten. I was slapped in the face by the firm hand of reality. The one thing I saw least was hope. But God used our whole team to bring hope and joy to the kids at the orphanage.
I realized how selfish and ungrateful we can be -- how small our problems are to the rest of the world. O saw how spoiled rotten America is. When I got back to the states I was disgusted by all the senseless junk we have in our homes and stores. hearing people gripe about petty things made my stomach churn.
My experience in Guatemala was the final tool God used to change my outlook on life."
Twice annually, small groups of students from our school travel to a large and well-established children's home in Guatemala. Often today's youth feel a sense of "entitlement" to all of the best life in America has to offer them materially. Boys get a first-hand look at poverty and hunger; having opportunity on these excursions to help meet the needs for those in crisis.
Annual "tours" are taken to events in other states. Some of the tours past have included our nation's Capital, San Diego, California, Alaska and Chicago, Illinois. On these tours, students will do work projects, visit children's homes, Teen Challenge centers, homeless shelters, and in the case of Alaska~ go fishing! The team travels with staff members and sometimes their parents. What a great experience to have fished in Valdez with Dad!
We Learn Better by Teaching
As students succeed in the program, they are given the opportunity to become part of the drama travel teams and Stay Sharp school ministry team. Stay Sharp teams travel to public and private schools to present drug awareness programs. Recently our Stay Sharp team spoke to an audience of more than 3000 students in Oak Park River Forest High School in Chicago.
Teen Challenge Endorsers
“…there are organizations like Teen Challenge and others who have a far better record of dealing with social issues and people in difficulty than do the bureaucrats.”- Focus on the Family President James Dobson, on government faith-based initiatives, on CNN’s Larry King Live
“I speak from more than 20 years of knowledge of the organization when I tell you, Teen Challenge works. It is effective; it is literally changing the lives of young Americans from every walk of life. The work and dedication of Teen Challenge deserves the commendation of every citizen.” – President Ronald Reagan
“Teen Challenge succeeds when all of the government programs failed.” – Chuck Colson
“In my opinion, Teen Challenge is doing the very best all-around job of providing the kids with something meaningful in their lives, and that’s what they need. Thank you for your continuing support of Teen Challenge.” Art Linkletter
“Of all the programs reported to the commission, the most successful is the religiously based program conducted by Teen Challenge.” Dr. John Howard, Member, National Commission of Marijuana and Drug Abuse
“For years I have wholeheartedly supported the mission of Teen Challenge. It is always moving to find organizations that do not accept government funds but are able to address the problems of society with their big hearts and simple grace. Teen Challenge is at the forefront of those special organizations.” Governor Jeb Bush
“Perhaps the biggest highlight of my campaign was my visit to Teen Challenge…Teen Challenge is one of the most successful programs in our country.” President George W. Bush to CNN Reporter on Election Day