Camp Empower: Lifeline's Therapeutic Trauma-Informed Day Camp

In this episode, host Rick Morton is joined by Ann Maura Hinton to delve into the transformative power of Camp Empower, Lifeline's trauma-informed day camp designed to serve children with academic, relational, and emotional differences. With Camp Empower's focus on equipping children with social, emotional, and cognitive development skills, Ann Maura shares insights into its evolution and impact over the past six years. Through heartfelt anecdotes and testimonials, they illuminate the profound connections forged between campers, buddies, and families, all reflecting the fingerprints of God's love and grace in action. As they extend a warm invitation for participation and collaboration, they envision Camp Empower not just as a summer camp, but as a catalyst for building inclusive, supportive communities rooted in compassion and understanding for vulnerable children and families everywhere.

GUEST
Ann Maura serves as the Program Director at Bridge Educational Services, joining the team in August 2017. With over 25 years of teaching experience across diverse settings and disabilities, she is dedicated to facilitating positive outcomes for families in need. Certified as a Cognitive Developmental Therapist, Ann Maura holds both a master's and undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Her passion for learning drives her constant exploration of innovative approaches to support individuals facing challenges, striving to bridge the gap from frustration to hope. Residing in Madisonville, TN, Ann Maura is a devoted wife and mother of three, cherishing quality time spent with her family.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE
Summer camp has been a staple in the lives of children for generations. We want to expand the opportunity for children to experience camp through Camp Empower. 

Camp Empower is a trauma-informed day camp designed to serve children with academic, relational, and emotional differences in a fun camp environment. Camp Empower uses hands-on tools and techniques from trained staff to help children implement social-emotional and cognitive developmental skills.  It’s also designed to equip parents and caregivers as well as the campers. 

Click here to register for a Camp Empower event. You can help make camps accessible for families when you partner with us. Visit our website to learn more about becoming a monthly donor. 

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

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Creators and Guests

Rick Morton
Host
Rick Morton
As Senior Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!
Ann Maura Hinton
Guest
Ann Maura Hinton
Ann Maura joined the Lifeline team in August of 2017 and serves as an Education Specialist. She brings with her over 25 years teaching experiences in a variety of different settings and with a variety of different disabilities. She loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to help build a bridge from frustration to hope alongside families in need. She is a certified Cognitive Developmental Therapist and has earned her master’s and undergraduate degree in Special Education. Originally from Madisonville, TN, she headed to the University of Tennessee and earned her master’s degree in special education. Ann Maura is a wife and mom of three, and she loves spending time with them.