New Beginnings at Teen Haven Camp

It was our first weekend of Teen Haven Camp in January. The temperature was 14 degrees and with the wind chill it felt like 0 degrees. As the kids huddled in the cafeteria and we started our orientation, one young man stood out: Javier* (age 12). Throughout the orientation it was nearly impossible for me to get even one word out, without him being disruptive. I realized that he was going to bring some challenges to our weekend. The next morning, I was told that Javier had to be moved to another cabin during his first night of camp (on Friday). I chatted with him and made clear his need to cooperate.

At that time I was introduced to Kendel* (age 9). He was also disruptive and had a serious problem with the “N” & “F” words. As we chatted I found that Kendel and Javier were first timers and lived together in the same foster home and that they were 2 of 5 young men, at camp, from the same foster home. It was at this point that the Lord placed a heavy burden on my heart for the foster parents of these 5 young men. I just couldn't get them off my mind all weekend.

Sunday morning, I was informed that Kendel provoked Javier at the pool table Saturday night and Javier proceed to beat Kendel up a bit before the counselors could intervene. Kendel wasn't hurt but I feared potential injury to other campers by Javier because of his temper. Mid-Sunday morning, Kendel was brought to me charged with threatening to hit another camper with a pool ball. After our meeting he confessed and apologized to all parties. I also spoke with Javier and shared that I needed to make a decision as to his future at camp and that I would pray about it and inform him and his parents of my decision. They both admitted to loving the camp and wanting to come back and pleaded to return to camp.

Sunday night, I started to write the letter of discipline to their family, but just couldn't piece it together. The staff agreed that Javier would need to be suspended for two months and Kendel warned and allowed back. I had it all before me but just couldn't put it together. I tried Monday and still could not. As I sat Tuesday trying again, the Lord directed me to call the foster parents and spend time with them heart to heart.

I did so and got Mrs. Smith* and her husband on the phone. She put the speaker phone on and we were able to carry on a three-way conversation. I shared with them about the challenges that emerged throughout the weekend. We chatted for a good amount of time and I was greatly blessed and encouraged by what the Lord was revealing and doing in the lives and ministry of these two precious people. They are Christians and have dedicated their lives to care for hurting and broken young people. They were extremely grateful for the phone call, our care, concern, love and desire to work together for the Lord and the sake of the kids. They agreed with the suspension for Javier because they felt like I did, that this would be the best way for him to learn. He has been with them for one year and at this point, they felt that he knows better. Kendel has been with them one month and has not yet understood the consequences of losing good things because of bad behavior. We agreed.

And then a special blessing, Mr. Smith* said, “Mr. Vin, you don't remember us but we remember you. We used to come on Family Retreat. We loved coming and never forgot those times. Thank you!” And then Mrs. Smith started naming generations of kids and families that attended and attend the camp. They were extremely thankful for our part in the lives of so many. Mrs. Smith ended our conversation by saying, “Mr. Vin, between the Lord, our church, me and my husband and Teen Haven, my children are blessed beyond measure. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God bless you!!

I can see now why I had such a hard time putting a letter together. In the midst of our heart to heart was the heart of our Jesus. We certainly sensed that from start to finish and even now. };-) Thank you Lord!

Vinny Mikusow • Field Director at Teen Haven Camp
*Name changed throughout entry