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 

Through prayer and service, the Team saw firsthand how God is moving in Oaxaca.

DAY FOUR

Today we started off the day by giving out more care packages and praying over more families throughout Putla! The first house we visited was that of a man named Pablo. We prayed over his family and the recent news he received that he had to pack up all of his belongings and leave his home. Next, we went to the house of a couple where the woman was struggling with health problems involving her kidney. Due to her health problems, they don’t have the ability to make it all the way to church. Despite not being able to attend church weekly, church members have come to visit her and pray over them. She was recently healed by the power of prayer and can now walk again! We then went close by to a family and prayed over their son, who was deaf, and their grandmother. This family also asked for prayer over the fact that they couldn’t go to church because of the treatments the young boy was receiving. 

After seeing this family, we ran into a woman named Katarina. She asked for prayer for her three children’s health, her dad’s recent passing, and the state of her mental health. It was no coincidence that we happened to cross paths with her! We then saw a couple who needed prayer over their financial situation, Teofila, who is on oxygen for her lungs, and their son, Marco, who was recently in rehab and asked for prayers that he would go to church. Lastly, we visited a young girl, Ari, and prayed for her and her family. After that, we had lunch and hit the road for our seven-hour drive back to the church in Oaxaca! 

DAY FIVE

We got to sleep in again today after arriving back at the mission house in Oaxaca around 1:00 AM. We ate breakfast at the house and then started some painting projects at the house. We painted the living room, the brick walls around the courtyard area, and the church meeting space. We got to bless Pepe, one of the pastors, by doing this work. He would have done this all by himself! 

After we finished painting and cleaning up, we started setting up for the youth event we hosted. We played games, worshipped, shared testimonies, shared Scripture, and prayed over many people. It was evident that God was with us. People gave their lives to Christ and asked questions about God. It was an incredible night of ministry, and we are encouraged by what God is doing here in Oaxaca. 

DAY SIX

Today was an early morning. We went out for breakfast and coffee! We put on camp for some of the younger kids, which was just amazing! The Gospel was shared through Gospel beads, some fun songs, the soup skit (a camp favorite), and I (Mason) got to share my testimony! It was just a super fun day of seeing again the endless ways God works through not only our lives but also the lives of others!

One of my favorite parts of today was right after handing out Gospel beads. I had a kid walk up to me and ask if he could have three more bracelets to give to his cousins! Seeing how much he cared for them and how impactful the Gospel was for him was so amazing! God is so good, and I can’t wait to see what else He has for this trip!

- Timothy Team 29

Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

"I can still see the picture in my mind. It was plastered on the side of the 12-passenger vans that carried Camp Staff on recruiting trips; it was in all the promotional pamphlets and banners. A coach, down on one knee, fist-pumping with a camper, big smiles on both their faces. As I think about it all these years removed from serving at Camp, it’s a great picture of how God has called us to live in relationships with each other.

I have the privilege of working on a kids ministry staff at a church, and we talk often about having a “kneepad mentality.” We want all our staff and volunteer leaders to not just talk to a kid while towering above them, but to get on their level, look them in the eye, and call them by name, even if it means you have to wear a kneepad because you’re hitting a knee so much to do so. We believe this is how Jesus saw and welcomed people, and we want to do the same. For me, so much of that was forged at Camp, where we literally lived “life on life” with campers and fellow coaches for entire summers.

Justin Whitmel Earley describes deep friendships as needing two main ingredients: time and vulnerability. While Camp provided incredible space to do that, it also showed us the template for living that out on the other side of the “Love God Love Others” gates. When I think about the countless laughs, tears, and great conversations with co-coaches, covenant group members, and fellow leadership teammates, it was almost always because we were spending genuine time together and willing to be authentic with our lives.

And I believe that template is what God calls us to today, in all relationships. Only a mutual love, gratitude, and joy for the Gospel of our salvation explains the diversity of friends we have today. As I seek to be a Godly dad for my kids, I’m reminded of the same principles I learned at Camp. “Get on their level! Be Jesus in tennis shoes!” (Even if my shoes are no longer trendy.) And as we seek to share with others the good news of the Gospel we all need, even that is still the same: God’s love share through relationships. He moved through them then; He moves through them now.

May we always be seeking to live life-on-life with the people God has ordained us to brush shoulders (or fist pump) with."

- Sean Hill

Timothy Team 29 Says Hello From Oaxaca!

DAY ONE 

Travel went really smoothly today, we didn’t have any major issues at the airport. We got to Oaxaca around 2:30 and met some of the people we will be working with. Once we got to their mission base, we got to hear some inspiring stories from our translators and an encouraging talk from Cisco about what we will be doing this week. The Lord really provided joy and energy for us when we got here, and our hosts have been super welcoming and encouraging to us. We are excited to see what the week will bring and how the Lord will work and move. 

DAY TWO 

We started the day very early because we had a long drive ahead of us. We thought that the road trip would be around a couple of hours, but little to our knowledge, it was actually eight hours long. Our drive was good; we went through the villages of Oaxaca and weaved through many mountains. On the way, our translator, Mando, casually told us that we were about to pass the church where they filmed Nacho Libre, so we got to go check that out. 

After that, we drove for a couple more hours. We had a quick stop for the van to cool down (not scary at all). While we were walking, everyone was looking at us, and these little girls were looking at us, laughing and making fun of us. I don’t know a lot of Spanish, but I know enough. So, I smiled at her and raised my hand to say hola. When I raised my hand, she flinched as if I was going to hit her. That kind of stuck with me and made me think about how the translator talked about their parents physically abusing them. With that in my head, I was praying for her on the way. Then we finally showed up at our hotel, and to our surprise, it was actually really nice. Then we went to eat with the pastor and his family before church. 

At the end of the day, we went to church, and it was in this house next to chicken farms. We did some worship in Spanish, and then I was able to share my testimony with the congregation. It was such a blessing to talk about how God saved me. Seth started to teach, and it was just an awesome message about who we are going to say Jesus is. Then, when that was done, they started speaking in Spanish and looking toward me. Our translator gave me a "come here" motion. He said that he remembered I had said I could play guitar and asked if I could lead worship for them. I had nothing planned, and I have a tough time memorizing lyrics and guitar chords, so I just did the best I could with what I had. I figured there weren’t a lot of English speakers, so if I messed up, it wasn’t a big deal. Worship was great, though! It was awesome to see people truly worshiping God regardless of the language barrier. It was such an awesome experience I’ll remember. I have to remind myself that truly we don’t need great technology, preparation, seating, and heating/cooling to make a “good” church. It’s just about gathering for the glory of God, and that is what happened. 

DAY THREE

Today, we got to sleep in a little bit before we went to the church to eat breakfast and prepare to go to different houses to bring care packages to. The first stop was to a woman named Juanita. She had lost all ability to walk and was diagnosed with cancer. Due to her inability to walk, her treatment for the cancer was put on hold, since she couldn’t move her body. After hearing her story, we were able to pray for her and give her a care package. Next, we went to pray for a family who had been persecuted for their faith. This family had to completely leave everything they had ever known or had behind. They also were taking care of two of the woman’s son’s kids. 

After that we went to the house of Cholita, a woman who had lost both her sight and the majority of her hearing. As we prayed for her, she cried continuously. Lastly, we went to the house of a woman who had a child that had stopped growing due to so many seizures. We were able to pray for his health and that God would have His hand in their lives. After these stops, you could tell that everyone was truly reflecting on their lives and how grateful we are for certain things. Today was a truly humbling day to me and reminds me of how good God is even in the hardest of times. 

Our next task of the day was to make at least 100 sandwiches for the upcoming festival we were having. Then, that evening, we held the festival for the kids. We danced, played, sang, hit piñatas and were able to just love on them. My favorite part of the experience was doing gospel beads with them. Even though some of them may not have paid attention or truly took in what it meant, it was a seed. A seed that only God can grow. 

The work these pastors are doing here is amazing. They have loved us so well and shown us what it truly looks like to love others. God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good. A saying we say so often but truly saw what that meant here. All the time He is good, in the hardest of times, sad times, happy times, He’s there. Praise God!

- Ryan Odom + Timothy Team 29