25 Years of Giving Priceless Gifts to Single Moms and Families
By Krysta Howell
The value of a youth hunt, Kicking Bear camp, and mentorship relationship is priceless to a single mom, grandparent, or caregiver who is responsible for raising and providing for hurting children.
Six years ago that is right where I was, a single mom to six hurting children, ages 6-18 years old. The financial position I was in was so bleak that everything we had we were borrowing from others. No home, no car, and definitely no money available to have fun with my kids. So when I heard about a free Kicking Bear Camp in our area I signed up. My oldest daughter and I volunteered and I registered the younger kids as attendees. Everyone was so excited to be able to go do something fun outside of the house together. Once we were there, the younger kids were put in groups and started to make their way through all the fun stations. My daughter, Callie, and I were given our volunteer assignments, where we had a chance to start meeting people who quickly turned into our dear friends. The kids each had so much fun! They were so proud of hitting the archery targets and learning how to throw a tomahawk. When it came to the tug-of-war and marshmallow fight we all laughed to the point of tears. It had been a long time since I had tears that were from joy instead of tears of sadness.
We then gathered as a family on a blanket in front of the largest bonfire we had ever seen and a Pastor shared a message on God’s love and forgiveness. The words were healing ointment over my family’s hurt and angry hearts. It helped me as the mom to remember that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection have the power to bring new life to my heart and our family unit. It gave me encouragement to keep following Christ even when my world had been flipped upside down. It helped the kids by reminding them that forgiveness is the key to freeing them from the pain and hurt they carried.
Through the years we attended every Kicking Bear activity we could. It was possible for us to do that because there was never an expense to attend. The kids had opportunities to participate in things they never would have been able to without Kicking Bear. It has been truly life-changing.
Kicking Bear is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is funded by charitable contributions. People and organizations that have hearts to help kids get outdoors and come to Jesus have supported Kicking Bear, through giving, so my family could be impacted by these amazing opportunities. If you are a contributor, I want to say Thank You for providing life-changing opportunities for my children. If you are not a contributor, I encourage you to prayerfully consider supporting Kicking Bear and helping open the door for that next family in need.
This year, Kicking Bear is entering the 25th year of youth hunts, Kicking Bear Camps, community outreach, and mentorship connections. They are training champions to put on camps in new areas and help reach even more communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ, helping more kids get a chance to experience the outdoor adventures of their dreams. Each Kicking Bear event has the primary focus to “Put a bow in a kid’s hand and lead their family to the Lord.” Let’s join together to keep growing Kicking Bear and help keep this amazing ministry 100% free for families!