Madi Lenow

Teen Family Camp has allowed me to drop into my heart and see the confident and courageous young woman I was created to be. Being vulnerable with myself was the first step. I was able to identify the things in my way and overcome them. From there, I learned how to be vulnerable with others as well. I learned how to give people grace (including myself) and fully trust my family with my heart.

From a state of vulnerability, I learned how to trust my parents and myself. The training gave me the tools I needed to be able to look in a mirror and see opportunity in my life and find hope for my relationships with my parents. It all started with me finding the ability to trust them, because now I can see that all they ever want to do is support me. TFC has given me so many tools that enable me to succeed at life and relationships. I’ve found that being honest with myself will make me soar. Being open with my family has brought us so much closer, and being open with myself has helped me see the beauty in everything.

I’ve learned a whole lot about communication and understanding the different personality traits each of my family members has. When I understood that everyone’s different and learned how to compensate for the gaps in-between, I was able to cheer them on. We’ve all become significantly closer because of it, and since then we’ve been able to laugh and hang out together. Since Teen Family Camp, I have been a whole lot closer to my mom. We have created a bond unlike any other. She’s my best friend, and I’ve realized that she is all I need in my life. Though friends will come and go, my mom will always be there for me. It’s us against the world.

Teen Family Camp has given me empowerment and happiness over my life. I’ve been able to “catch my breath, and let it go” because I “won’t be told what’s supposed to be right.” I’ve found the radiance within me to not let anyone hold me back. I’m truly and unapologetically me, and that’s all I need to be to conquer the world.