Give the Gift of TI 2022

For so many of us, LMTI & TIGS has been about community and connections. Whether it be with people we went to high school with, met at camp or College Track, or other friends we made along the way, our mission and our bond gave us a way to feel connected to each other and to something larger. With so much fear, uncertainty, and hurt all around us for the last year, it has not always been easy to feel connected and seen. But, no matter what has happened during this time, there is one silver lining that shines brightly: when we come together we are strong, powerful, and capable of taking on whatever comes our way.

If you've attended TIGS or LMTI, or know someone who has, then you know firsthand that connection has always been a huge part of LMTI-

LMTI helps youth connect with others: In the past 35+ years, over 10,000 youth from New Jersey have participated in TIGS or LMTI. That's a gigantic number, but it doesn't even begin to tell the story of friendship and connection in our collective TI history. Amongst that number are lifelong friends who met at Camp Mason when they were 15 or 16 years old. These are friends from different backgrounds, communities, and experiences who connected over a life-changing, shared experience.

LMTI helps youth connect with their own inherent worth: If you know about LMTI, then you know about IALAC. One of the greatest gifts participants receive at LMTI is an experience that allows them to reflect inward and connect with their own inherent worth and value, something that too often suffers during adolescence. At LMTI, youth (re)learn that they are lovable and capable.

LMTI helps youth connect with skills and resources: LMTI builds leaders! We believe that anyone can be a leader and that youth can be leaders TODAY! By giving youth an experiential and engaging experience like none other, youth gain confidence in the skills and abilities that they already have, and learn new skills, too!

Even though we cannot be together with the youth we work with in person, LMTI is still working hard to keep youth connected- at a time when they so desperately need it. When we build true connections amongst youth and the adults who work with youth, when we give youth permission to be themselves, and when we give them the skills and resources they need to be leaders...YOUTH CHANGE OUR WORLD.

We are kicking off a month of sharing and giving for LMTI this #GivingTuesday, and we hope you'll join us as we celebrate the power of connection through LMTI.

Thank you for your continued support, for connecting with us, and for believing in the power of youth.