TWO STORIES OF TEEN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION’S IMPACT

in Mentor Stories / Our Youth  by Lisa 0 comments

We can’t imagine a better way to share the impact of Teen Leadership Camp than having campers share their own experiences. Here are two stories from recent graduates who have stayed involved in different areas of Teen Leadership Foundation after their season at camp ended: 

There are so many reasons why I love TLF. One of the main reasons is, at the age of 28, I can sit here in the comfort of my own living room and tell you that I have a support network grown through camps, The Knot and the other activities developed for me. When I needed a family, they are always there. I have made lifelong friendships from camp. During my time at camp I learned to trust people. Being in foster care as a teen teaches you to guard yourself; it’s hard to trust people, because we don’t know who will stay. But TLF has always had my back. Those 3 days at camp were a refuge in my teen years. Thank you, TLF.  This is my last year of nursing school, and I am coming to camp as a leader this year.

Those 3 days at camp were a refuge in my teen years. Thank you, TLF.

It would be impossible for me to fully express the appreciation and love I have for the people involved with TLF. What started as a “here goes nothing” 3-day camping trip has become one of the greatest blessings in my life. When I first got involved with TLF, I was a shy, afraid, and angry child who felt like the whole world was against her; but TLF has guided me to the understanding that I don’t have to be paralyzed by my past. I’m 21 years old now, and I can honestly say that TLF has contributed to my wellbeing through their continual support, unconditional love, and the relationships I’ve formed. One of the most beautiful things they showed me was that I’m deserving of love, and that I don’t have to jump through hoops to earn it.

When I first got involved with TLF, I was a shy, afraid, and angry child who felt like the whole world was against her; but TLF has guided me to the understanding that I don’t have to be paralyzed by my past.