This sign hangs above the front doors of the Mission House where the Tim Team lives. We want the Teamers to be on mission for Jesus each and every day of their lives. But living a life on mission is easier said than done. Our world is filled with so many distractions that cause us to forget that we get to be “On Mission” for the Kingdom of Heaven every day.

We all forget and need to be reminded of our opportunity to be on mission. For the Timothy Team, this reminder so often comes in the form of us stepping away from T Bar M and going out into a different culture around the globe. And that is one of the reasons that our Timothy Team has taken and continues to take a mission trip to a different culture.

Each year the Tim Team goes on a trip to be missional somewhere else besides T Bar M. This has allowed our Teamers to grow in ways that seem to only happen when we are pushed outside our comfort zones. There is so much irony for us, since we all know this from our time on the ropes course. And yet we often do not apply it to our lives spiritually.

The Tim Team Mission Trip is such a consistent growth opportunity during the Tim Team experience. It tends to do a couple of key things in the lives of Teamers.

  1. It reminds Teamers of the amazing God we serve. And our amazing God has made a great big world, with many different people, cultures and wonders in it.
  2. It teaches Teamers that God is at work all over the world, bringing people to the Kingdom of Heaven. It does not belittle our work at camp, but it puts it in perspective. God is at work in the whole world, and T Bar M is just a small part of a very big work that God is doing.
  3. It reminds us that we do live by faith and that God has appointed our path. As the Teamers walk out onto a different mission field, the Teamers get to rely on God even when they are in discomfort or the unknown.
  4. It continues to bind the team together as they minister in a new and different context. Teamers get the opportunity to continue to invest in and build their own community as they are pushed to minister outside the gates of T Bar M.

Even as I continue to lead trips, I am so thankful for my own Tim Team Mission Trip to Peru many years ago. It is such a blessing to remember how God used that trip to teach me and my teammates so much and grow me in some very impactful ways.

We are so thankful and excited to share that in January 2027, this Timothy Team will be heading to Guatemala to partner with Y-KNOT. We will be partnering with a former T Bar M Alumni who has started this ministry and is launching a new site in Guatemala. We will be hosting camp for children in the mornings and then ministering to people in rehab facilities in the afternoons.

- Seth McCord, Senior Director of Discipleship Meetings

On October 5th, we hosted the 5th Annual T Bar M Classic Golf Tournament… our favorite Monday of the year! It was a great day together, full of friendly competition and support for a cause close to our hearts: our Campership Fund. A total of 104 players, friends, sponsors, and alumni gathered for a day on the course, and an incredible $94,000 was raised. Only God can turn a day of fun and competition on the golf course into the opportunity for campers' and families' lives to be changed.

Every Campership has a story behind it, and here are two that remind us why days like The Classic matter so much.

We first met Christian at a week of Discover Camp in Houston. He was hooked on camp life and wanted more. A Campership was given to his family for him to go to Base Camp, and because of days like today and the generosity of folks like you, he has never missed a year. It is the highlight... even the lifeline of his year. Camp is where he first met Jesus and a place that continues to allow him to grow in his faith. This past summer was his final year as a camper... and he writes, "I can't wait to come back and be a coach to give back what has been given to me all these years." A young man's life changed forever.

A longtime camp mom had often talked with a coworker about her faith in Jesus. While the conversation didn't progress, she was able to convince her coworker to send her kids to T Bar M. They were able to go because of Camperships. The boys came to camp and met Jesus. After pickup, they shared with their mom about their experience, the fun, the life change. Because of what they shared, their mom accepted Christ that day. A whole family changed.

Kids' lives changed. Families' lives changed. Talk about a worthy investment! A day at The Classic makes camp possible for so many kids who otherwise wouldn't have the chance to come. The T Bar M Family and the 223 families who received Camperships in 2026 are grateful. We simply can't wait to see how many families are given the opportunity to experience Christ-Centered Adventure this next summer because of the generosity we see from our larger T Bar M Family.

Events like the T Bar M Classic are only possible because of the amazing support from sponsors, players, and everyone who believes in the impact of a week at camp. If you would like to continue supporting camper scholarships or know someone who would, find out more here.

A special shoutout to our title sponsor, Fischer's Neighborhood Market, and all the incredible teams who made this event one to remember. We can't thank you enough for your generosity and partnership. Check out all our amazing sponsors here.

Another August has come and passed, and that means another Timothy Team has begun. Each year as we “recruit” teamers, so often potential teamers (and their parents) are looking for assurances. As best I can tell, their questions are similar and have not really changed over the years:

               What am I going to get out of this program?

               Will this put me ahead or behind in life?

               What is the success rate of this program?

               What if I don’t get along with any of my teammates?

               What about my career?

But the life of following Jesus is a Christ-Centered Adventure. And all adventures have highs and lows. All adventures have joys and sorrows. All adventures have mundane days and extraordinary days. All adventures have the unknown and unforeseen.

The Tim Team is an invitation to life’s adventure focused on following Jesus with a community of peers here at T Bar M. It’s not about what I can get out of this experience. Instead, it’s about what the Good Shepherd has for me in this experience. It’s not just about one calendar year either. It is an invitation to a lifestyle with Jesus as our guide.

As each Tim Team begins, there is an invitation given to the team. The invitation to join the adventure and walk closely with Christ as He leads us through these next 9 months at T Bar M. It is an invitation because no one can force anyone else to walk with Jesus.

Even now as I lead the Timothy Team, I am invited to live the Christ-Centered Adventure. I am not living in the mission house, and I am not in my early 20’s, but my year is filled with uncertainty, challenges, joys, sorrows, and mundane and extraordinary days. I get the opportunity to practice what we want this Tim Team to do, live the Christ-Centered Adventure before them.

That same invitation is given to each former Tim Teamer. Your circumstances have changed since you were on Tim Team. Your age has changed since you were on Tim Team. If you are like me, your metabolism has changed since you were on Tim Team. But the Christ-Centered Adventure is still before us all. Will we receive the invitation and join the adventure?

Seth McCord, Senior Director of Discipleship Programs

Overnight Camp is more than just a fun week of summer (and a break for busy parents), it’s a place where kids build confidence, form deep friendships, and grow in ways that stick with them long after camp ends. If you’re on the fence about sending your child to overnight camp, here are eight benefits that make it an experience worth saying “yes” to. 

  1. Independence 

The first night away can feel like a big step—but spending time away from home allows kids to spread their wings in a safe and encouraging environment. At camp, they learn to navigate daily routines, make decisions, and take ownership of their experiences, leaving with a deep sense of accomplishment and the confidence to take on challenges beyond camp. 

  1. Responsibility 

At camp, kids are expected to take care of themselves and their space—and they rise to the occasion! They make their beds, clean their cabins, clear their plates after meals, and follow a daily schedule. But responsibility at camp goes beyond just chores. It’s about learning to take ownership of their actions, respecting others, and seeing how small habits can make a big impact. 

  1. Teamwork 

At overnight camp, kids learn to be part of something bigger than themselves. From cabin competitions to ropes courses, campers quickly realize that working together gets them further than going solo. They practice communication, problem-solving, and learn how to encourage others along the way. And best of all? They build friendships in the process that often last for years to come. 

  1. Biblical Reflection 

Each day at camp, kids slow down and reflect on the truth of God’s Word. Through devotions, worship, and small group discussions, they explore their faith, wrestle with big questions, and discover what it means to follow Christ in their everyday lives. In a world full of noise and distraction, camp gives them the space to hear God's voice and respond with open hearts. 

  1. Stronger Social Skills 

In a world where so much communication happens behind a screen, camp brings kids back to real, face-to-face interaction. They learn how to introduce themselves, hold conversations, and make friends through shared experiences. From high-energy games to meaningful cabin discussions, every moment at camp is designed to help kids connect. Guided by caring counselors, they’re encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, initiate conversations, and build lasting friendships. 

  1. Resilience 

Camp is full of moments that challenge kids—but in the best way. Maybe it’s conquering the zipline, stepping up to lead a team, or simply learning to be okay with not winning every game. Whatever the challenge, kids quickly learn that setbacks aren’t the end of the world. With encouragement from their counselors and peers, campers learn to persevere, embrace challenges, and develop the resilience they will need to handle life’s ups and downs. 

  1. Perspective 

Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to see things in a new light. At overnight camp, kids step outside their usual routines and discover a world full of possibility. Whether it’s learning a new skill, meeting people from different backgrounds, or seeing how much they’re capable of, camp expands their view of what life can be. They come home with a greater appreciation for family, friendships, and the adventure of trying new things. 

  1. Lifelong Investment 

Camp is more than just a fun week of summer—it’s a foundation for the future. The lessons kids learn, the confidence they build, and the friendships they form don’t end when they pack up their bags and head home. Year after year, they return to a place that feels like home, growing in new ways each summer. And even when their camp days are over, they’ll carry the experience with them wherever they go. 

There is no doubt the Lord has been growing folks for the past 45 years within the gates of T Bar M. We have all grown in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52), as we have been campers and coaches. But it has been some time since we “added on” to T Bar M. Ten years since Discover took off, 29 years since Camp Travis’ first summer, and of course 45 years since Christ-Centered Adventure began. 

Well, it’s time! We are (physically) growing in some BIG WAYS! Just past the Outback, 20 acres are being developed for T Bar M’s new Family Camp and Retreat Center, and we couldn’t be more excited! In fact, we are FUAGNEM for more space for more people to grow in Christ and have fun while they are at it! 

While the buildings are amazing and the layout and flow of the property are something special, there are two areas we are really excited about: the fields and porches. 

The fields and porches are where the best conversations happen. Conversations with the Lord while staring at the stars, laying still for a change, sitting in a huddle. Conversations with a friend as you catch up on life, wonder about what the Lord is up to, laugh, cry, and pray. I imagine you had a few memories pop into your mind of great moments you have had on a field or porch. You can see why we get excited about them. 

We can’t wait to show you around the new property and share with you the things God is already doing through this project. Holler if you are around—we would love to give you a tour. 

Loving God, Loving Each Other, 

Kelli and Your T Bar M Family 

On September 5, 2025, the State of Texas took significant steps to strengthen youth camp safety in response to the tragic flash flooding that occurred last summer in the Texas Hill Country. Senate Bill 1, collectively known as the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, and House Bill 1, the Youth CAMPER Act, were officially signed into law. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and communities who suffered the heartbreaking loss of loved ones during this devastating event.

The updated statewide safety requirements are expected to be finalized in January. At T Bar M, the safety and well-being of our campers have always been our highest priority. We are grateful that our existing safety procedures and protocols already align closely with the draft legislation.

As part of our commitment to safety, we will be submitting our updated safety policies and emergency response plans to state and local authorities for final review and approval. Please know that we remain fully dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and secure environment for every camper.

Thank you for trusting us with your campers’ hearts and well-being. It is a responsibility and privilege we hold with the utmost care.

2026. The year we get to gather everyone back home at T Bar M! I don’t think it would be too hard to come up with 2,026 reasons why the 45th reunion makes us FUAGNEM. 

We imagine there are 2,026 of YOU, our Alumni! And that is reason enough to gather… YOU. 

But here are a few more reasons… 

There is something special about walking through those gates and into the place that changed so many college students. Whether you stayed in New Braunfels for the summer, traveled across the state, or landed in Spicewood, we can’t wait to see you come home to T Bar M for this special weekend! You can read more about it here, and don’t you worry—you will see more information in our newsletters, on Instagram, and any time we see you! 

Loving God, Loving each other, 

Your T Bar M Family 

Mark your calendars for March 20–22 and go ahead and reserve your spot here. While we look forward to hosting a whole lot of folks… we don’t have room for all 2,026 of you. So sign up now!

“Lord, it’s good to be alive.” — Ridgely, circa 1997

This is the heartbeat of the lyrics to a song that played every Wednesday morning in the summer of 2002, my first summer on the leadership team at camp. “It’s good to be alive.” I still believe this, but so much has changed in 23 years… or maybe not. Maybe it’s mostly me that has changed — me, my perspective, and my naivety. I didn’t think as much back then about this question, but I ask myself this a lot as I get older: what is good? Bear with me. Let’s go for a good ride.

If we were asking, “Who is good?” the simple answer I grew up with is a classic one-word answer for the Sunday school teacher — “Jesus!” You could say that, and you’d be right! Jesus Himself said, “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18). And the Psalms tell us that “no one is good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12). Okay, so now we know who is good (Jesus) and who isn’t (people, including you and me, reader), but the answer to “what is good” is more complex.

When God created everything, He said it was good! He created people and said they were “very good!” (yes, this was before sin entered the world). These are tangible things that God called good, but let’s go a step further. What about some intangible things? “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). “The commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12). Jesus knows that fathers know how to give good gifts to their children (Matthew 7:11). We are to do good works, and there is so much more good mentioned in Scripture.

So far we’re all good, right? It’s not too hard to think of those things listed above and agree that they are good, and with these things in mind, it’s easy to say, “God is good. I will rejoice!” But the complexity comes in when we experience — and hopefully learn and grow through — suffering. Is God still good then? And I’ll say the obvious… suffering is hard.

I don’t want to be a downer here, but as you get to know me, you’ll start to understand that I am authentic. It’s actually a core value in my family. As I reflect on 2025 and consider what is in store for 2026, I cannot escape some really difficult things. A friend of mine lost his life in an accident and left a wife and four kids without a husband and father. Two couples close to us have gone through divorce. In close proximity to our community, we have seen cancer diagnoses, miscarriages, layoffs, financially crippling medical bills, surprise relocations, mid-life crises and depression, wayward children, and tragic loss of life. Where is the goodness in all of this???

Please understand that most of me would much rather be writing this blog post about a really spectacular plan to stick to your spiritual disciplines this year, to really see sunshine and rainbows in God’s abundant material provision, to have all of our prayers answered in really happy ways. But I am feeling compelled to instead acknowledge that Jesus wept — and we will too. What will we do when our family, close friends, or our own selves come on hard times? Who will we trust? As for me, I cling to the hope that is ours for the taking in Scripture. Check this out:

Some who are reading these very words are in the depth of suffering and confusion. 2025 was tough, and 2026 might be tougher. I want you to know that (1) you are loved more than you can possibly imagine — last year, this year, the next, and for eternity after — and also (2) the suffering will not last forever. For those who trust in the saving work of Christ’s death on the cross and His power over death in His resurrection, this temporary life will close someday, and we will be resurrected, glorified, and united with Him in Heaven, and see Him as He is.

I am also praying for you tonight as I write, that you may have relief from your burden and be able to honestly and authentically say, “Not my will, but God’s will be done” (Luke 22:42). If you ever need a hug in 2026 — to mourn the hard or to celebrate the good — you can find me at T Bar M. Remember, when our life is hidden with Christ, even when it’s complicated, this is true: it’s good to be alive — abundantly alive.

- Joe Dalton, Senior Director of Camps

Follow along with updates from Timothy Team 30! The Team is headed to Belize from January 21-28 and will be running day camp ministry in Hope Creek, a village 2 hours south of Belize City. They are partnering with a ministry there, All 4 Jesus, that partners with local schools and churches for gospel opportunities.

DAY ONE

"Praise God! Travel day was insanely smooth. Rolled out at a wonderful 6:45 and got to the airport and everyone made it through. San Antonio to Dallas was a chill hour flight, and Dallas to Belize was about 3 hours. The flight's view was so beautiful! When we landed, customs was scary to me, but it gave me a chance to talk about T Bar M because they asked what I do for work. We got packed into a van and we were actually in the middle of the jungle. We passed signs for panther, capybara, and monkey crossings. 2 hours later, we pulled up to the property and it was so peaceful. Gorgeous scenery and we got to meet our incredible hosts. To end the night, we all came together and praised the Lord for the day we got to spend together and how blessed we are to be here. Thank you Jesus for Belize and time together!"

Savannah Stanton

DAY TWO

"Wow! Today was a full day! An amazing day full of joy, smiles, and hugs all around! We left camp this morning around 7:30 and headed to the school. When we got there, we immediately got to start playing with the kids! The kids are about kindergarten - 8th grade age. We got to facilitate and play a bunch of games all day. A lot of catch (tag) and helping the kids on the monkey bars. Also, let’s just say we are still getting used to the Belizean sun… it was really warm and a few of us have some pink faces to show for it 🙂


We were blessed to serve, and in return we were so seen and loved on by these kids!! I saw God work in our team and through many conversations! Can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds!"

Zoe Dutton

DAY THREE

"Today was our longest day of programming we will have, and coming off of yesterday, we were pretty exhausted. We woke up and drove to the school again with plans to share the gospel today. As we pulled up to the school, all the students were already waiting for us! It brought some of us to tears and we felt so loved by them. We had the younger students first the morning and started the day off by running tropical mission impossible. It sprinkled on and off adding to the intensity of the competition. After a close contest, we were relieved that it was snack time and we could finally get out of the sun. We then did skits and presented the gospel bracelets to the kids. For the most part, they were all excited to receive the bracelets and listen to the gospel. We pray that God will continue to water the seeds that He let us plant. After lunch, we did the same thing with the older students at the school. The skits got a lot dirtier (Tommie and Christian rolled around in the dirt), and the humidity and heat combo during the competition was really taking a toll. But through the strength of the Lord, we did the next gospel presentations and bracelets for the older students.

We left soon after and the kids were really sad. We were probably sadder. Disheartened and leaving our new friends, we prayed that God would use the work He allowed us to have an impact on those kids and that they would know Jesus. We returned to camp, deeply in need of a break before heading back out to Youth Group. It was game night at Youth Group and we played a ton of games and met even more kids. It was a lot of fun but we sure are tired. We are grateful to sleep in tomorrow. Please pray for physical strength and that we would stay alert to the way God is moving and what He asks of us as we continue this trip!"

Seth McCord

DAY FOUR

"Today was such a fun and restful day for us! We started our day off by hanging out with our sweet friends at the school. We played lots of sports, fun games, and had a sweet and sorrowful goodbye to our new little friends. Today, after we left the school, we got to explore a little more of Belize and visit some fun shops! We started at an ice cream shop and got some yummy treats and ended off at a gift shop near the ocean with some fun goodies! We got tons of Belizian treats and souvenirs! We came back and swim in the river at our camp site. Praising the Lord for such a fun restful day. And His beautiful creation! So excited to see what He has in store for us tomorrow!"

Jalynn Howard

DAY FIVE

"Today was such a spiritually uplifting day! We started out with a wonderful church service where we sang praise and worship with the locals. The sermon Pastor Tim delivered served as an uplifting reminder that the greatest thing in this world is the love of God.


After small group discussion, we set up for lunch and dined with some of the church family and staff. We then made the trek to Billy Barquedier National Park to take a refreshing yet slippery hike to a beautiful waterfall and watering hole (I dislocated my pinky finger and Seth was kind enough to relocate it for me, thanks Seth). Being surrounded by the abundance of the Caribbean rainforest just further served as reminder that the same God that made this oasis is the same God that made and loves us deeply. Once the team had their fill of laughter and waterfall jumping, we headed back to camp where we finished the night with skits for some of the camp staff and played card games."

Tommie Doege

DAY SIX

"Leaving today in awe of the creator I serve and in awe of what He’s done in this team and in me during our time here. Today was our team’s reflection day! We got to go out into the Caribbean Sea and reflect on all that God has done here. It was a day full of getting to experience the fullness of God while being in creation with all of my best friends. We got on a boat, planted at an island out in the ocean and got to snorkel! During this time, I felt the overwhelming awe of who God is and how much He cares for us. To know my name and to make every fish in the sea leaves me in wonder and gratitude that I have a relationship with the creator of the world! Seeing each and every little thing He put into the colors of the ocean, the coral, and getting to see a real-life shark was amazing. I got to sit and stare at the mountains meeting the sea and all I could think of was creation proclaiming His great handiwork and how real God is. Today was a true testament to His faithfulness getting to rest in His creation and realize how loved I am to be just a fragment of His creation. He is good and He is worthy of our worship! Creation sings His praises and all the earth sings worthy! Praise the Lord!"

Carlea Wyman