Trail Ridge: True Stories from VCY Lifeline Camp

   Many of the children who, over the years, have attended VCY Lifeline Camp at Devil’s Lake and later, Trail Ridge, are street survivors. They have endured situations that many adults cannot even begin to imagine would happen to a child.  For one week during the summer these children are allowed to trade a violent, scary environment for a serene, secure, and Christ centered atmosphere. 
   They come from an undisciplined, unstructured world where they are often left on their own. Some don’t know where their next meal will come from. They are up against older children and adults who use them, abuse them, and kick them to the curb when finished with them. 
   Many have been physically and sexually abused. Many do not know the definition of a family meal or even what a supper consists of.  Their medical checkups only come when they are taken to the hospital by ambulance after being shot or abused.
   VCY has been involved with Lifeline Camping since 1963.  Again this year, VCY is working with the Milwaukee Rescue Mission Joy House program to provide a week of camp without charge to these underprivileged and at-risk youth.  This fourth week of Kid’s Camp is called “Lifeline.”
   Some years ago a camper named “David” attended VCY Lifeline Camp at Devils Lake.  His face was bandaged and he was unable to talk.  His friends t ...