Camp 2 Recap
Our Two Weeks of Camp Are Complete!
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and joy after two incredible weeks of camp. We hope you’ll take a moment to read about the impact your support has made. When you donate to On River Time, you’re doing more than changing the lives of these amazing kids—you’re breaking cycles of abuse, addiction, incarceration, and broken relationships, creating a ripple effect that will touch generations to come. We can’t thank you enough!
If you missed our week 1 update, where we hosted Still Creek Ranch and Palmer Home, you can catch up [here].
Here’s a recap of week 2:
This past week, we were honored to welcome Big Oak Ranch from Alabama. Big Oak holds a special place in our story—13 years ago, they played a role in the launch of On River Time when founder John Croyle, his son Brodie (now Executive Director), and two boys from the ranch attended our very first camp. It’s truly meaningful to have them back year after year. John and his wife Tee joined us, along with Jae and Amy Thomas, longtime house parents who have now stepped into the roles of directors at the Girls Ranch.
Day 1 - Fly Into Jackson Hole Airport
As with week 1, many of the kids have never been on a plane or out of their home state before. They get a majestic sight as they land into Jackson Hole airport, located within Grand Teton National Park. Once we greet the campers at the airport we head to our home base, The Lodge at Palisades Creek, in Irwin, Idaho.
Day 2 - Fly Fishing on the Snake River, Small Group Devotions, Burning Our Fears
Day 2 is our first day on the Snake River! Our guides teach each camper how to cast, mend, and set the hook. Fly fishing presents new challenges to the kids in a beautiful and peaceful setting. They learn to leave their past behind (including the fish they just missed) and "fish the future", an analogy for life!
Later, we held our first of several small group devotions. The topic was on no longer being a slave to fear. Powerful moments unfolded as one of our peer mentors who first attended On River Time when she was just 13 years old returned as a peer mentor. Now 20 and pursuing her career as a therapeutic horse instructor, she courageously shared her own journey of how she came to the ranch as a young girl. She encouraged and challenged the girls to trust in God’s plan for their lives and to fully receive the love and support surrounding them at the ranch and through On River Time.
That night, we gathered around the fire pit to "burn our fears". The fears expressed are ones we hear again and again.. fear of abandonment, fear of repeating the mistakes of their parents. It was a powerful opportunity to assure the kids of the security they have and that they are loved and valued and can break the cycles from which they came.
Day 3 - Day Trip to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole
Day 3, we loaded the vans to head to Grand Teton National Park. Our first stop, was Teton Village to take the tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (elevation 10,455'). At the top, we headed to Corbet's Cabin for their "Top of the World Waffles". The kids loved the view and seeing the snow. We then hiked from String Lake to Jenny Lake. The Grand Tetons are a perfect way to see the world from a new perspective! Later, we headed to the square in Jackson Hole and a pizza dinner.
Day 4 - Second Day of Fly Fishing, Small Groups, Scholarship Presentations
Day 4, we were back on the river! It was another great day of fly fishing and huge catches. Later we once again held small group, this one about Gratitude. That night during dinner, we presented scholarships to all of our recent graduates and announced Chelsea from Big Oak as our second recipient of the Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum Memorial Scholarship. On River Time Scholarships are one more way for us to do life with and stay connected to the kids we serve.
Day 5 - Float trip, Small Group, and Pinning Ceremony
On our last day together, we enjoyed a float trip down the Snake River. At lunch, John Croyle spoke to the kids about the difference between being a "thoroughbred" and a "mule". He challenged the kids to know their worth and to live their lives with purpose.
This week, we were also honored to have some special guests join us. One of them was Lauren Sisler, ESPN sideline reporter and author of Shatterproof. That evening, Lauren courageously shared her personal story of losing both her parents within hours of each other to a secret opioid addiction. She challenged the kids to release the shame of their past and instead embrace their story—knowing that God can use it as a powerful part of their journey, one that can inspire and impact others. The kids were deeply moved by her courage and honesty, and many saw reflections of their own struggles in her story.
Later, Mr. Steve presented stones from the river to each camper. On each stone he wrote kind and affirming words specifically to that child. It's always a powerful moment for the kids to hear the good that someone else sees in them. Following this, we held our beautiful pinning ceremony, where each camper had the opportunity to recognize someone who made a difference in their camp experience. This heartfelt ceremony often brings tears and is a special moment for the kids to live out what we’ve talked about in small groups—showing God’s love to others.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
On Day 6, tears flowed as we said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff at The Lodge at Palisades Creek before heading to the Jackson Hole airport. The warmth and kindness of Justin, Shayde, Tonia, Charles, Cami, Tenille, and Cori have been a tremendous blessing. Their hospitality plays a vital role in the work we do. This for-profit fly fishing lodge has truly rolled out the red carpet for us year after year, and we are so grateful for their kindness.
Be the Hope They Need — Support On River Time
Two weeks of camp have passed, but the breakthroughs and healing will ripple for a lifetime. Every child who comes through On River Time carries a story—stories of pain, loss, and brokenness. But thanks to your support, they are finding purpose, love, and the courage to break cycles that have held their biological families captive for generations.
This past week, kids heard inspiring stories of resilience and received moments of encouragement. They experienced God’s love in action through kind words and genuine community.
But none of this happens without YOU.
Your donation today helps us provide life-changing camps where kids learn to heal, to hope, and to believe in a future full of purpose. When you give to On River Time, you are changing not just one life—but the lives of generations to come.
Will you stand with us? Will you be the difference-maker?
👉 Donate now and help us break the cycle.
Thank you for making hope possible.