ALLENDALE, Mich. — Patrick Adams admits that he was once a troubled teenager himself. Now, his passion is helping other at-risk teens through his special camp called Remembrance Ranch.
“For me, I know there are possibilities for these kids to be able to succeed,” Adams told FOX 17 News. “Growing up, I had went through a lot of the same issues that these kids are dealing with.”
Adams credits a summer camp he attended every year for introducing him to positive mentors. The goal of Remembrance Ranch is to do the same for the troubled teens.
The week-long wilderness retreat program teaches teens about leadership, team-building, and Christianity. Last year, the program was able to accept six teens; Adams said this year there will be eight.
“For me, it’s kind of like my opportunity to give back,” he said. “We’re also giving [the teens] the tools they need that they can use at school and at home to redirect their lives … We’re giving these kids the love that they’re missing sometimes in the home.”
Now in its second year, Remembrance Ranch will run from August 11-18. The first part will take the teens to Eagle Village in Hershey, Mich. The program concludes with an 11-mile wilderness hike along the North Manistee River Trail.
Adams’ daughter Taylor is helping to raise money for the program by “running for the ranch.” The 11-year-old will be taking part in the Grand Rapids Color Run on Saturday, August 3, 2013. Her goal is $1,000 — enough for one complete camp scholarship.
So far, she’s raised more than $300.
“I like helping the teens because I feel like it’s part of me, like I should, like God is just calling me to do it,” she explained. “I know that sometimes teens don’t have as much as we do, and that’s why we’re blessed.”
To learn more about Remembrance Ranch, or to support Taylor’s run, click here.
