Jr Ranger Youth Camp

This April, we had the opportunity to facilitate a 4-day Youth camp in Mae Sot, Thailand, for 123 refugee youth from Burma. We have done this program two other years in the past, but this year the program doubled in size!

(Our awesome team. The program was awesome because of all these wonderful people!)

The purpose of the 4-Day Jr Ranger training in MaeSot was to encourage and equip refugee youth from Burma to become leaders and advocates for change in their local communities and in their country. We wanted to share the gospel and empower them to be the change for the future of Burma. Through PT, Devotions, Worship, Leadership, Medical, Story-telling, Hand-to-hand, Swimming, and Sports, we wanted them to remember that God gives us Strong Hearts, Strong Minds, and Strong Bodies” to use for his kingdom work, and that it’s our responsibility to pursue growth in all these areas so that we can be his ambassadors.

(Morning PT started every day at 6:30 am)

(Morning worship at the sports field)

Since I (Aimee) was in charge of coordinating the program , I didn't get to teach any classes this time, but Adam was most involved with teaching Leadership , running PT, and helping with hand to hand (and sometimes swimming or medical). Even Grandma Jo, who was visiting, taught swimming, helped with PT, and sang with the worship team.

(Adam teaching spiritual leadership)

(Swim class)

(Grandma Jo and Eden at PT)

We finished the youth program with a short graduation and ice cream social. The next day, we did a full-day Good Life Club program for 100 kids ages 11 and under.

(Ice cream party!)

(Good Life Club Program for young kids)

(Making bracelets to share the gospel message)

Though completely exhausted by the end of the week, we had an amazing time and look forward to putting on this program again next year!! As Good Friday came to a close, little did we know that we were not going home! Fighting across the border in Burma sent 9,000 refugees across into Thailand seeking shelter and safety. Some of our team members (including Aimee and the girls) decided to stay to try and meet some of the needs. More coming in the next blog!

(Coordinating vibes...always coordinating....)

Thank you so much, especially to the Kindfaith church in California and T.A. (you know who you are!) for helping to sponsor some of the extra expenses for this program It was a huge blessing. For those who would like to be more involved in the future, I hope to raise some funds for this youth camp next year since it keeps growing! Please let me know and I'll reach out next year.

*Speaking about fundraising... Our family plans to travel to Iraq in about 2 weeks to work with our foundation's office in Erbil. Adam will be a key trainer for a training going on there and I (Aimee) will be learning the admin side and helping out where I can, building relationships, etc. We have been asked to raise the funds for 3 out of the 4 tickets which should total around $4500. If anyone is interested in coming alongside us to support these costs, please email me directly :) Thanks for considering this!

Love, The Wallis family

Adam, Aimee, Eden, and Quinn