The next day, the girls were pampered as they prepared for their formal dance.

They had already selected their dresses, alterations had been completed, and a fresh team of volunteers arrived to help with hair, makeup and nails. When all the preparations and primping were completed, the guests of honor were escorted to a special dinner of turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans. A winter wonderland greeted them as snow fell from above, and joy and amazement gave way to music and laughter as they danced through the night.

Each day participating teens faced our challenge course, where they learned to work as a team while building trust in one another. One boy, named Johnny, was surprised and delighted that his idea about how to solve a challenge was adopted by his team: “They did what I told them to do! And we solved it! It worked! … I never knew I was a leader, but I guess I am!” Helping these young people discover potential they may not know they have is one of the most significant impacts of the T.R.A.C. experience.