We have had the joy of seeing the Lord work in and through Cole Adams, Jen, and their family for quite a few years (30 summers…22 of those on full time staff!). God has impacted Cole greatly through T Bar M and used Cole to impact others in tremendous ways.  We invite you to let Cole know how he has impacted you by sending a note to abby@tbarm.org. We encourage you to read Cole's reflections below on how God has impacted him as he moves to the next season away from T Bar M.

"Team T Bar M,

It is with mixed emotions that I tell you the Lord is moving the Adams family into a new season and that Deep in the Heart will be my last summer serving with T Bar M. Total Commitment (1996) was the start for us…and we apparently took it to heart in more ways than one…and the Lord allowed us to join the year-round staff for Full Up (2003).

Camp memories abound for the Adamses:

The Adams’ kids were raised with the help of the T Bar M village, including so many of you who took them on JD rides, played with them, took them swimming, and let them "help" you with any projects. The boys lived most of their summer days waiting on the next pick-up Squirrel Ball game, and Kate became a summer Registrar assistant before she could drive. And then there was the warning to Beth and others in the Sanctuary offices that, 'you’re about to hear a loud cry, it’s ok. Leighton needs some discipline.' Kate learning to crawl for the first time on a table in the Rio out at Camp Travis. Lance showing up in multiple camp videos (if you haven’t seen T Bar M Gangnam Style…Google it!). Layne jumping into a Football vs. Soccer game before he was old enough to be a camper and scoring a touchdown!

Jen and I loved working together in ministry. The work alongside friends has been an incredible blessing. We talk often about the cherished relationships the Lord has brought over the years and what a gift it has been to us…especially in the last few years. You’ve probably heard our declaration concerning marriage: 'T Bar M saved our marriage before we were even married.' The Leadership Teams, Nannies, Coaches, and of course, Directors were (and still are in many cases) our extended family.

The experiences through relationships with such great people at T Bar M will continue to be talked about for years and years.

It all started with Ron Miller interviewing Jen and I at the same time as boyfriend and girlfriend sitting on a couch in a lounge at McMurry…don’t tell HR.

Aggies giving up watching their only Big 12 Football Championship to come to our wedding…good thing we had VHS tapes for y’all to watch the recording & no ESPN notifications back in '98.

Hosting Spring Leadership Retreats at our home…including the occasional youth soccer game as our Saturday morning activity.

Smoking out the neighborhood when we thought it would be a good idea to give every camper a sparkler on the 4th of July (Sean Hill, surely this was your idea!)…I mean, at least we didn’t try and do our own fireworks…well, or wait, maybe we did in the sand volleyball pit! Wising up to taking all the campers to the NBHS football practice field and watching the New Braunfels fireworks…including sno cones (thanks Eric Littleton) and a night of worship (thanks Judah Owens)!

I’ve been scarred for life after being talked into being a part of the Soggy Bottom Boys (thanks to Chief and Ron Miller) as well as the Director Dance Team (Cole & the Pinks) & a 'Boy Band.'

The crazy pranks that would just 'show up' each morning that one summer at Camp Travis…full table set at the bottom of the pool, the horses getting war painted, etc…Caleb Lee, I’m pretty sure you were the ringleader…well done.

Speaking of horses, I’ve never been so excited to have horses escape from the pasture and getting a call on the radio and watching people running wild trying to be “helpful!" Ryan Poutinen, Justin VanNorman, Bobby Swole, and all the wranglers, thanks for letting us think we were cowboys.

Theme Night posters were another stretch…Mission Impossible seemed to always be my lot…but man, how did I end up posing as the Green Lantern or in a one piece bull fighter suit that showed most of my chest, and then there’s the one where I grew the thick goatee and donned a white, ribbed, tank top undershirt with Will Mitchell as the police officer! …it’s for the kids, right?

Sean Hill recruiting on the A&M campus in a full cat costume…including face paint.

Staying up most of the night to comb sticky flour out of girl’s hair (kudos Trish White and Leadership Team) and washing every camper’s clothes after a terrible (but planned!) food fight!

Leadership guys disassembling and removing the stairs up to Pecos/Maverick and trapping the girls up in their cabin.

Catching and addressing the “Great Sneak Out” (here’s to you, Donnie Carr)!

The septic backup no one wants to remember (Andy Krawiec, Trish, and crew…), not just once but twice with the second one in Winchester (Stephen Udo, you get the award for surviving this one).

And who could ever forget the Bike Cops (yeah, yeah Bike Cops!)…thank you Jason Boone and Hunter Mangrum for birthing that (and ruining tandem bikes for me forever)…and to Will Washington, Nathan Harvey and others for v2, v3, etc., including Scooter Cops when we couldn’t find another bike! Ryan Guadagnolo, Garrrrryyyyy! was a really good follow up…

Shawn Bueche and Judah, the expectations for the stage in the sanctuary will never be the same…thanks for upping the ante.

Spending every Thursday afternoon for years out at TSR.

There are some things that will always be “right” in my mind: Sammy in the Rio, Adam Jungeblut and family joining us for Training Camp to encourage and equip staff, Mark Kaufmann wanting to compete in every little thing, Rachel (Wolters) Shelton living in the Outpost…thanks for lending me your deodorant, Trish White speed walking everywhere she goes, Sean Hill falling asleep within 30 seconds of being in the car, and ‘porch time’ at the Sammy Shack with Sammy, Ron, and Eric.

So many privileges associated with my years at T Bar M:

Our kids grew up with thousands of big brothers and sisters…

Too many great weddings to count…and the added honor of being a part of many as well.

Gospel Presentations…push-ups and the encouragement that continued to come even years later when Campers became Coaches, stations of the Cross (especially tetelestai…thanks Brian Rodriguez), paintings (Casey Huval, you gave me a new appreciation for art), and geez…how many stargazes…thank you, Lord for using us.

So many “sobremesas” (post-meal conversations) with great people while sweating on the Back Porch.

More incredible adventures than I can count: South Africa (and so many others with Johnny Polk), Egypt with Keith Myer, racing Mark Kaufmann up 44 flights of stairs, and so many more!

Soooo many memories…I’m confident I’ve left some incredible ones out (I mean, this thing had to go to print at some point, but the stories just kept coming to me)…would love your help being reminded of them…shoot me an email or call.

There is no way I can really put my appreciation of what the Lord has done through T Bar M into words…but if I had to try it might look like this:

'Words can’t fully express the gratitude I feel for the years I’ve spent growing within this ministry—as a Christ follower, husband, father, and servant-leader. T Bar M has been a central part of my and my family’s lives, shaping us in profound and lasting ways.'

Additionally, I am not sure how the Adams family endures the last 5 years if not for the friendships we’ve forged through the years at T Bar M. You friends were the hands and feet of Christ. God has worked through y’all, our church, and the community of New Braunfels in nothing short of miraculous ways to care for me and my family through sickness, injury, and even death. The amount of people who loved, served, laughed, and grieved with us will never be forgotten.

We trust God has great plans for our family and T Bar M. We look forward to the Lord continuing to cross our paths in the future as we all run this 'Christ-centered Adventure' race this side of heaven.

Gratefully,

Cole"

We can’t begin to describe how much we delight in seeing so many of you walking through the gates in the summer. On Sundays in New Braunfels, we gather with alumni who are bringing their kids to Base Camp or their families to Family Camp.

On the very first Sunday of the summer, we gathered in the Sanctuary as we always do after lunch to pray for the week ahead. It was the prayer of Jordan Sawyer that has stuck in our hearts since then. He thanked the Lord for the way He works in circles.

Circles like the one we were praying in.

Circles that campers and coaches will sit in to study God’s Word.

Circles that families and cabins will gather in as they share meals and good conversation.

And the full circle he was experiencing as he stood there with his wife and children.

On our way back down the path, he shared with us that it was a full circle because just ten feet from where he stood during that prayer on the field many years ago, he gave his life to Christ. He was indeed experiencing a full circle moment.

And here we are, wrapping up Session 3, and we have yet to tire of hearing the stories of full circle moments. It’s a joy to reminisce with parents on closing day, recalling their summers as campers before we even had Alpha and Omega!

Our hearts are full as we see adults watching their college kids as coaches and now handing certificates that proclaim truths to their campers. We often dry our eyes as we listen to families who see their week at Camp as a cornerstone of their year.

We are humbled and honored and blown away to see what God continues to do here. It seems this summer we are seeing the ripple effects that God has made deep in our hearts for quite a few generations.

- Kelli Boyd, Alumni Coordinator

Y’all remember the day—the first 24 hours of Training Week. You drive into camp full of wonder, what-ifs, and, for the new folks, “What have I signed up for?!” 

For me, this day each May ranks right up there with Christmas. 
Over 300 college students are about to unwrap the best gift set right in front of them. 
It’s like that one present under the tree you have no clue about. 
You’re a little hesitant to open it because you don’t know if it’s going to be socks… or that one gift you never imagined you’d actually receive. 

Well, 2025 T Bar M coaches… the Lord has an incredible gift ahead for you this summer—and I guarantee it’s not socks! 

We can’t wait to share the stories and snapshots of what the Lord does through these coaches. Thank you for paving the path and covering them in prayer. 

Let the summer begin! 

- Kelli Boyd, Alumni Coordinator

Philippians 1:3-6 
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am certain of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” 

There is a certain feeling you get when you drive back onto T Bar M property. You know the one—a mix of anticipation and remembering. 

There is a certain smile in your heart when you remember an old camp friend. It can take you back in a moment’s time to a season of serving, playing, and growing together. 

There is a certain connection when you see those with whom you have partnered spiritually, no matter how long it has been. 

And there is a certain joy in seeing a gathering of 28 former T Bar M Directors (and their families) happen. 

That joy was bursting at the seams one Saturday in March, as we invited and gathered past directors to simply come and enjoy camp. No doubt, there was an abundance of hugs and high fives, laughter and tears, hours and hours of stories shared alongside some good AO competition … and for sure, some sore muscles the next day. 

And at the end of our day together, there was a certain feeling of deep gratitude as we gathered at Lakeview for worship and remembering. Paul speaks of it in Philippians: “And I am certain of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” As we recalled the good work God has done and continues to do in our lives—in your lives—we were grateful. 

While having a whole crew of past directors gather was so much fun, it will be even more fun with you! 

So, mark YOUR calendar for March 20–22, 2026—a weekend for all alumni to gather and celebrate what God has done in the last 45 years of folks walking through the gates of T Bar M. 

We can’t wait to be with you all and hear how the Lord continues to use you, stretch you, and carry you. There is no doubt that we “thank God every time we remember you.” 

- Kelli Boyd, Alumni Coordinator 

Homesickness is a common experience, especially for first-time overnight campers. Being away from home, family routines, and familiar comforts can feel overwhelming in those first few days. As parents, it’s hard not to worry. We get it. That’s why we’re here—to walk with you, equip you, and cheer you on as you help your camper grow through this experience. With decades of experience, our team knows how to walk alongside campers through these moments and help them find their footing. 

How We Handle Homesickness

We train our coaches to spot the signs early—withdrawal, tears, or even physical complaints like tummy aches. But more than that, we teach them how to respond with grace, encouragement, and practical tools. Here’s what we focus on: 

Distraction through engagement – We get campers moving, participating, and playing. Movement creates momentum! 

Building connections – Whether it’s a team cheer, a shared laugh, or a one-on-one conversation, relationships are the antidote to isolation. 

Speaking truth and encouragement – Our coaches are quick to offer words that steady anxious hearts—reminding campers of who they are, how capable they are, and that they have what it takes to face new challenges. 

We don’t ignore homesickness—we walk campers through it. And more often than not, they emerge stronger, more confident, and excited to come back next summer. 

What You Can Do as a Parent

Talk About It Before 
Let your child know it’s okay to miss home. Talk about how courage doesn’t mean we’re never scared—it means we trust God and do hard things even when we are. 

Avoid The “Pickup Promise” 
Avoid saying, "If you don't like it, we'll come get you." While it may sound supportive, it subtly suggests that you don’t believe your child can handle the experience. Instead, say, "We believe in you, you've got this!" 

Pack Familiar Comforts 
A favorite shirt, a Bible with a note from you inside, or a small family photo tucked into their duffel can bring a lot of comfort. 

Teach Self-Advocacy 
Encourage your camper to speak up if something’s wrong. Remind them that their coach is there to help and asking for what they need builds both confidence and connection. 

Send Uplifting Mail 
Keep your notes positive and supportive. Focus on what your camper is experiencing, not what they’re missing at home. A message like, “We’re cheering you on and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!” helps build their confidence more than, “We miss you so much.” 

Our Camp Directors will call if your child experiences prolonged or severe homesickness. We’ll talk with you and come up with a plan together. Most of the time, a little time, love, and patience is all they need!  

There’s nothing quite like the joy and growth that happens at overnight camp. It’s a place where kids get unplug, try new things, and build deep friendships—all while having a blast. For many families, it’s a first-time experience, and that can come with just a few nerves (for parents and campers alike!). We’re here to walk alongside you and help you prepare your child for an incredible week of camp at T Bar M. 

Whether your camper is eager or a little anxious, a few simple steps can go a long way in making drop-off smoother and the experience even more impactful. 

1. Talk About What to Expect 

Give your camper a picture of what their days will look like—meals with their cabin, dressing up for theme nights, their coach leading Bible studies, and everything in between. Hearing that they'll be with kids their age, guided by energetic, caring coaches, helps replace the unknown with excitement. If they’re feeling unsure, validate their feelings and speak confidently about the fun and adventure ahead. 

2. Pack Together 

Invite your child into the packing process. Not only will they know what’s in their bag (huge win for finding things later!), but it builds ownership and independence. Let them help check off items on the packing list, choose favorite shirts, and label personal items. You can even pack a few encouraging notes in their bag for them to discover throughout the week—instant smiles guaranteed. 

3. Practice Time Away 

If it’s your camper’s first time being away from home overnight, schedule a sleepover or weekend away from home beforehand. A little practice in a safe environment, like a friend or grandparent’s house, helps build confidence. Remind them of how capable they are—and how fun it is to have adventures away from home! 

4. Keep Drop-Off Positive 

We know it can be emotional. But your confidence helps fuel theirs. Keep goodbyes short, sweet, and upbeat. Let them know you’ll be praying for them, and you can’t wait to hear their stories. Avoid saying things like “I’ll miss you so much I might cry” (even if it’s true!). Your camper takes their emotional cues from you. 

5. Pray with Them 

Camp isn’t just about fun (though there’s a lot of that)—it’s about growing in faith. Start preparing their heart now by praying together. Ask God to give them courage, open their heart to His Word, and grow new friendships. What a joy it is to invite Him into every part of the journey! 

You’ve Got This. So Do They. 
Camp is one of the best gifts you can give your child—a time to play with purpose, to grow in confidence and faith, and to be surrounded by a Christ-centered community that cheers them on. We’re ready and excited to welcome your camper. Let the adventure begin! 

Alumni, y’all stepped up in a big way last summer with our very first Adopt-A-Cov! So, we’re doing it again—dare we call it a TRADITION?! 

I had the opportunity to deliver a few boxes last summer and see guys’ and gals’ Cov Groups open their care packages filled with encouragement and FUN from alumni who knew exactly what it was like to serve as they were. It was so fun to share stories about you and your time at Camp. Honestly, it was hard to tell who had more fun—you in the giving or them in the receiving! 

It’s pretty simple... Here’s how adopting a Cov works: 

Some new details for this year: 

If you want to Adopt-A-Cov, just email alumni@tbarm.org, and we’ll match you with a group for Summer 2025!

- Kelli Boyd, Alumni Coordinator 

Throughout their time in Panama, the T Bar M Team will send updates and prayer requests, which will be shared here. Check back throughout the week to this same page to hear about their trip.

Final Update:

The team arrived home on Saturday, March 15th! They were greeted with celebration and prayer by local family and friends in New Braunfels. As they sang together, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow", we know it to be true! Thank you, God for power of your Gospel throughout Panama, provision and safety, the blessing of fellowship and community, and salvation through your Son Jesus.

Day 6 & 7:

Update from Tori Feaster: "We had a great time exploring Panama City and the canal yesterday. We are ready to board our flight back to the US!

Days 4 & 5:

Update from Tori Feaster: "The past two days have been AMAZING!! We have hosted camp in the morning with over 100 kids and many of them have been very receptive to the gospel! After 3 days in a row with them, they feel like close friends and it will be hard to leave them! In the afternoon both yesterday and today, we split our group in half and half of us went hut to hut, sharing the gospel and getting to know people in the community. The other half put on camp for 2 different communities (one yesterday, one today).

At both camps and in our home visits, we had many people accept Christ for the first time and many others who were already believers but had more questions and were very curious! Each of our coaches has gone ABOVE & BEYOND to engage with the kids and families and they have not let the language barrier stop them! The translators and trip leaders have been such a blessing, and everyone agrees that we do not want to leave tomorrow!"

Day 3:

Today was the first day of school for the community (their “summer” break is Christmas until today), and they canceled class for the team to come and host camp for the kids. They played games, did skits, and walked through the Gospel through Gospel beads!

In the afternoon, the team went to different houses, asked people questions, then shared the Gospel and prayed for them. In the evening, Brady shared a message about David from the Bible, they worshiped together, and then played the Jesus Film.

When reflecting tonight, a common theme was an awe of the goodness of God and an amazement at the hunger people have for Him. The team is excited to do it all again tomorrow!

Day 2:

After an adventurous ride through the jungle, the team made it to the school! They are spending tonight setting up camp and preparing for their first camp tomorrow morning.

Day 1:

The team has landed safely in Panama City! They are currently at their hotel, eating dinner, and gearing up for their travel day tomorrow.

As we receive updates from the trip leaders, we'll continue to add to this page with pictures and stories - so stay tuned!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support as this team steps out to share the love of Christ in Panama! If you feel led to give, you can still do so here.

Somewhere in the back of a closet, buried under old trophies and childhood keepsakes, there’s probably a gold plastic medal on a thick ribbon—the one your three-year-old self received at the end of a soccer season. You didn’t have to do much to earn it. Maybe you chased the ball a few times. Maybe you were just there for the post-game snacks. But to your parents, that little medal meant more. It represented teamwork, coachability, and a whole lot of energy burned on the field. And when the season ended, you stood proudly alongside your Purple Dragon teammates, medal around your neck, feeling like a champion.

Fast forward a decade or so, and you joined another team. Maybe you weren’t sure what you had to offer. Maybe you were still just there for the snacks. But at T Bar M, you had the same opportunity—to work with others, to be coached, to give your all. And at the end of that season, you stood with your T Bar M teammates, hearts knit together, wearing a different kind of medal—one that held far more meaning.

For over 30 years, the T Bar M Staff Medallion has been given to those who faithfully serve (though many served long before this tradition began). More than 6,000 people have been part of this family. Whether your medallion still hangs around your neck, is tucked away in a safe place, or is displayed where you can see it daily, it’s a symbol of sacrifice, service, and the way God changed you through Camp.

Each part of the medallion carries meaning, reminding us of the purpose and impact of our time at Camp.

The Shape

The medallion is designed to resemble an ancient coin, a nod to the widow’s mite in Luke 21:1-4—reminding us to be faithful with what we’ve been given. Because of this, staff are encouraged to wear the medallion only if they are actively walking with Jesus and living in dependence on Him.

The Wording

Etched into the medallion is the Greek word διάκονος, meaning “minister” or “servant.” It carries the image of one who waits on tables—just as Jesus “took on the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). Every summer, we see this lived out as high school and college students serve the Campers and families who come through our gates.

The Place

The front of the medallion bears the Cross, while the back carries the name T Bar M. This isn’t about us—it’s about Jesus and what He did in and through those who served here.

The charge remains the same: we are still called to serve. Being a “minister of the gospel” doesn’t require a church position or a title. It looks like everyday faithfulness—serving in the way a waiter serves a table, in the way a Coach serves a Camper wholeheartedly at Camp.

That plastic medal from childhood? It will fade and get tossed eventually. But this one? It lasts—not because of the metal, but because of the mission. Your T Bar M Medallion is a symbol of sacrifice, service, and life change that didn’t end when your Camp season did.

Wear it. Keep it. And remember—you’re always part of the T Bar M Family.

If your medallion has been lost along the way, we’d love to help you replace it. Email alumni@tbarm.org to order a new one for $35 and continue carrying the reminder of your time serving at T Bar M.

As parents, we want our kiddos to experience the things that change their lives… change their perspective… change their hearts. When we see them go through hard situations, we know it’s worth it, so we listen and cheer them through it all. We might not warn them that a certain decision could lead to a tough road because we know it will grow them. 

And then there are the situations, the opportunities, where we actually send the link to them and say, “This WILL be hard, and it WILL be the best and most fruitful (and fun) thing you might ever do.” 

We send them the link to be a Coach at T Bar M. 

We send it to them because, at one point in our younger life, we clicked on the link (or filled out the pink or blue application), sat in an interview, and signed up for a summer of serving that continues to shape the life we live now. We learned what hard work is. We learned how to resolve conflict. We learned to fully depend on the Lord. We learned how to share our faith. We learned that the Christian life is fun. We learned that community is how we should live. 

And that is why we send our kids this link and cheer them on to take a summer that will change their lives… their perspective… their hearts. 

Over 10% of our Coaches and Work Crew were sons and daughters of YOU, our Alumni. The T Bar M family is growing, and we love it! 

Don’t just take my word for it… listen to other Alumni… and then send this link to your college kid and your high school student. We would love to talk to them about a summer that will change their life, too! 

“For one thing, it was a blessing to know that my son saw the importance of pouring Jesus into kids and recognized the opportunity to “join the labor” (John 4:34-38), just as other coaches had poured into him as a camper. But, as an alumni coach myself, the blessing of us having this shared experience some twenty-something years apart is absolute gravy!” — April Roche 

“Having served as a Coach, it was one of the most rewarding and challenging things I did as a college student… All four of our kids have served as a Coach in the different camps. It has been a blessing to see how they have leaned into the Lord and how the Lord has faithfully guided them through it. They have all grown in different ways through their camp experiences. Does it get any better than that?” — Carey Littleton 

“John serving as a coach has been both nostalgic (as a former coach) and a joy for his mom and me. It has been humbling and encouraging to watch his faith in the Lord grow and to see the strong relationships built with campers and other coaches.” —  Tommy Connell 

“She has been challenged to live out her faith in real time when she’s tired or grumpy, or on fire and energetic. Being with people and doing the Lord’s work 24/7 is not real life for most people, but at Camp, she gets to the end of what she is capable of doing on her own quickly, and then gets to see how God can do more than she thought possible and use her to do it!” — Megan Voskamp 

"I am glad my daughter served as a coach because the experience helped her clarify and grow in her spiritual gifting. Being independent of her parents, coaching created an opportunity to be challenged, selfless, and critically think in ways God designed her for." — Justin VanNorman