Every July we take boys 13 and older to Prescott, and spend the weekend building friendships, playing games and learning about the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The boys are mentally and physically challenged by the lessons we teach and the games we play.
We cheer them on when they do something hard and stand by them when they confront pain from the past. It is an opportunity for us to really get to know them and for them to see they can trust us. For 3 days they can step away from foster care and spend time outdoors with people that choose to be in their life.
One of my favorite moments at the end of one of the retreats was hearing one of the boys say "it was the best weekend of his life because he learned He was loved by and important to God." We have had many boys give their hearts to Christ at RAM Camp. We believe that an introduction to Christ is the best gift we can give these young men.
We believe it is the best way to change the trajectory of their future and allow them to leave a positive legacy for future generations.
Testimonies from the Boys
Andrew, 18
I met the people at Ram at a skills day. It was fun and a way to get out of the house. People with Ram always want to see the best in you. They want to see you succeed in life and not go back to the dark place you were in. I chose to move into the Launch pad house because it was a better environment than moving home. And I have more opportunities. If I had gone back home I would have dropped out of school, and not had people to go to for advice. Ram gives me support and I have people that give me good advice and hold me accountable for my decisions. So far I have opened a bank account, started saving to buy a car, got my driver's license and will start trade school in a few weeks. Back home I would have no future, here my future is good.
Kam, 21
When I first came to the Launch pad house I knew the other boys so I felt like it would be a good thing. I already knew the people running the house because I met them at Skills and camp. I knew I could trust them and I felt safe. Since living in the Launch pad house my life has changed. My anxiety has gone away and I no longer need to smoke weed. I am still working on my self-discipline and learning I can do hard things. I have learned alot to prepare me to be on my own.
I know I need to work full time and save money. I know I will be able to make it when I live on my own. I have learned to trust people and I feel like I'm growing closer to God everyday. Without Ram I would be living in Louisiana. I would have dropped out of high school and still have a lot of anxiety and be upset about everything and want to fight all the time. But with RAM I don't have anxiety, I feel more peaceful and I don't want to fit all the time. In LA I felt like I didn't have a future with RAM, I feel like I have one. I hope someday RAM is able to open more homes for kids that need help with the life that is going on around them right now.
J, 16
I like to go to Bible Study because it helps me have a good week and stay focussed on good things so I can make good choices.
D, 17
When I go to Bible Study I feel better.