A Summer for The Books
This summer, young people from nine different communities joined us for hunting and fishing trips, camps, rafting, and other outdoor adventures.
We had a lot of fun, we learned new skills, and we made some great memories.
But what we are most thankful for, is what Jesus did.
SEVEN YOUNG PEOPLE CHOSE TO FOLLOW JESUS.
We believe every young man has value and purpose, and we want them to know that they are loved, not just by the people who bring them to camp or the mentors who spend time with them, but by Jesus Christ.
This summer, seven young people made the decision to follow Jesus.
That is the part of the summer we celebrate the most.
We don't know what every one of those young people's stories will look like from here, but we know that a decision to follow Christ can change the direction of a life; and we are grateful that Father’s Tracks was able to be part of those moments.
One mother shared what happened when her son came home from camp:
“He came home and prayed out loud with each of us, followed by apologizing for his attitude and behavior and thanked us for loving him. Then he called all his siblings and didn’t just tell them about camp but wanted to pray with them over the phone. He had them crying individually as he did so. We don’t know all the details, just what he was willing to share. I’m grateful that God intervened for him to go and to go willingly. It was life changing for him!”
That's a pretty incredible thing to hear from a parent.
And it's a good reminder that what happens at camp doesn't necessarily stay at camp.
Because of YOU, we also had the opportunity this summer to provide 14 full and 2 partial scholarships.
For us, a scholarship is about more than paying a registration fee. It's about making sure a young man doesn't miss out on an experience because of finances.
Maybe he learns to fish.
Maybe he discovers that he loves hunting.
Maybe he learns a skill that sticks with him for the rest of his life.
Maybe he develops a relationship with a mentor who continues to invest in him.
And maybe, like seven young people did this summer, he meets Jesus and decides to follow Him.
So we say, THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN THE LIVES OF THESE YOUNG MEN.
After three years of praying, planning, fundraising, and trusting God, Father’s Tracks has officially CLOSED ON THE RANCH!
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who prayed, gave, encouraged, volunteered, or simply asked, "How's the ranch coming?"
IT'S FINALLY HERE.
And while closing on the property is a huge milestone, it’s not the finish line; rather it’s just the beginning of something new!
The ranch gives us a permanent home for Father’s Tracks and allows us to expand what we can do throughout the year.
We're looking forward to adding youth retreats, father and son weekends, men's and church retreats, outdoor skills days, hunting and fishing events, family days, and other mentoring opportunities.
We'll also continue working with schools, churches, and other organizations as well.
Our hope is that the ranch becomes a place where young people can get outside, learn new skills, spend time with good people, and have the freedom to simply be kids for a while.
And throughout all of it, we'll continue sharing the message that has always been at the heart of Father’s Tracks:
Jesus loves them, Jesus has a purpose for their lives, and following Him changes everything.
THERE'S A LOT AHEAD.
Owning the ranch also means there is plenty of work to do.
Our focus in the coming months will be making the property more functional and usable for ministry, while continuing to build relationships with young people and organizations throughout the area, while also enjoying all the great outdoors has to offer in the fall and winter months, starting with our 3rd annual FT deer camp, waterfowl hunts, and upland game bird hunts.
YOU CAN BE PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER!
Some of you reading this have supported Father’s Tracks for years. You have prayed for us and alongside us, given financially, volunteered your time, donated equipment, or helped send a young person to camp.
THANK YOU.
We truly could not have come this far without you.
Some of you may be reading this and are just getting to know Father’s Tracks.
Maybe you simply believe that kids need good people around them and more opportunities to get outside.
There are a lot of ways to be involved. You can volunteer, help with an event, send a young person to one of our programs, tell someone else about Father’s Tracks, pray for the ministry, or financially support what we're doing.
Continued giving is especially important as we begin this next chapter. It helps us provide scholarships, maintain and improve the ranch, purchase equipment, and make these experiences available to more young people.
Whatever your connection to Father’s Tracks, thank you for being part of it!
-The Father’s Tracks Team
Building young men of character, faith, and courage—together.