Life Works - Boys

Life Works - Boys One of the ways the Traverse Life Center attacks family breakdown & poverty is through a training program for 12 -15 yr old boys called "Life Works."

THE PROBLEM

Today our 12 - 15 year old boys are old enough to stay at home unsupervised during the summer months, yet they are to young for many entry level jobs. So what do they do with their time? How are they learning to become a man? Who is training them to be a worker and a leader? Our Culture used to impart servant leadership, work ethic and a sense of destiny for boys coming of age, throug

h opportunities in farm work, family business, and young apprenticeship programs. Those opportunities are not as available in today's society. THE SOLUTION

The Traverse Life Center is an organization that is dedicated to the reduction of family breakdown and poverty in our community. Our core values state that all people are designed and gifted to make a positive contribution in this world. TLC attacks the problem of family breakdown and poverty in unique ways. One of the unique ways is a summer day camp for boys ages 12 - 15 called: "Life Works." Life Works is a new initiative by TLC that is designed to attack family breakdown by imparting servant leadership, work ethic and a sense of destiny for boys coming of age. We designed Life Works to provide a day camp 5 days a week, for eight weeks during the summer; where they can learn skills and complete work projects for those in need, while earning currency within the system. At the end of a specified time, they can use their currency to purchase items at auction. Through providing entry level economic opportunities, interactive, guided lessons and a healthy dose of fun, boys will learn the power of work and the pride of living as a producer, not just a consumer.

And just like that 2026 Life Work’s is a wrap.Today was about cleaning the van out from the summer use, preparing the wo...
08/27/2026

And just like that 2026 Life Work’s is a wrap.

Today was about cleaning the van out from the summer use, preparing the wood for next year, and spending their hard earned shekels at the auction.

This year Pastor Mike and Matt decided to add an Elmer’s Outstanding Life Works Student Award, which is a piston head from an Elmer’s truck. Elmer’s has been with us from the very beginning and they really drive home to the young men how important integrity and work ethic are to have as part of their lives.

To qualify for the Elmer’s Outstanding Life Works Student Award a student needs to demonstrate that they have captured, embodied and put into practice all of the teachings and experiences of the Life Works Program.

This year’s award went to Aiden Hayes. His Crew Leaders said that “ not only did Aiden demonstrate all of the above, but he went above and beyond what they expected of him. Aiden even came in on a day off to help sand the deck they had been working on.”

Thank You to our parents for entrusting us with your young man. Thank you to our students for your participation. And thank you to Pastor Mike Annis, Matt Carlson, Jerry Annis, Bill Harper, Mark Martin and Dave Buck for leading these young men so well.

Life Works was busy today with lots of activity. The TC PD made a “surprise” visit. The young men got to see their swe...
08/25/2026

Life Works was busy today with lots of activity. The TC PD made a “surprise” visit. The young men got to see their sweet rides and to share with them what they have been doing this summer.

Yes that deck project was completed today. They got to see and participate in the project from start to finish. Parents don’t be surprised if they want to do your deck next. I LOVE the benches they painted that go around the fire pit.
Thank You Life Works Boys and Crew Leaders for a job VERY well done!

Tuesday was all about helping a former Life Work’s Crew Leader redo his roof. The young men continued to sand and stain ...
08/20/2026

Tuesday was all about helping a former Life Work’s Crew Leader redo his roof. The young men continued to sand and stain the deck where Life Works is held and finished off the week with some fun playing Corn Hole and driving the go carts around the property.

This week was filled with completing the bird houses and delivering them to Restored Treasures where they are for sale. ...
08/12/2026

This week was filled with completing the bird houses and delivering them to Restored Treasures where they are for sale. Come pick one up.

The young men restocked the firewood stands, were taught tire repair on the lawnmower by one of our crew leaders Jerry Annis. Bill Harper gave them some instructions on drones and they had turns flying one. Deck repair started in full swing, then off to do some calisthenics, and course work.

Great job guys!!!

Life Works young men spent some time at Serra Dodge with Dave Kelsey. They learned about auto maintenance, how to change...
08/05/2026

Life Works young men spent some time at Serra Dodge with Dave Kelsey. They learned about auto maintenance, how to change a tire and most of all they were able to get a up close look at all their cool cars.
Thank you Serra Dodge and Dave for pouring into these young men.

It was about the bird houses yesterday. Excited to see their creativity at work. These will be available at Restored Tr...
08/05/2026

It was about the bird houses yesterday. Excited to see their creativity at work. These will be available at Restored Treasures.

Today was Team Elmer’s Day. Team Elmer’s has supported the Life Works Program since day one. Each year Team Elmer’s host...
07/29/2026

Today was Team Elmer’s Day. Team Elmer’s has supported the Life Works Program since day one. Each year Team Elmer’s hosts them, teaches them and provides them lunch. We are so grateful for them and how they serve our community and train up the next generation.

Life Works boys were shown the parts department, the machine department and the mechanic garage. They learned about asphalt and cement. Cleaned a couple of their service bays and garage areas.

Thank you Team Elmer’s!!!

Yesterday the young men worked with Freedom Builders installing a handicap ramp. Thank you for allowing these young men...
07/29/2026

Yesterday the young men worked with Freedom Builders installing a handicap ramp. Thank you for allowing these young men to partner with you in serving our community.

1/2 way done with 22 birdhouses. They are learning how to measure, cut and put together. Next comes paint.And… some fu...
07/22/2026

1/2 way done with 22 birdhouses. They are learning how to measure, cut and put together. Next comes paint.

And… some fun time today.

Yesterday was a day of learning and repairing the driveway to the Chalet.
07/22/2026

Yesterday was a day of learning and repairing the driveway to the Chalet.

Address

3050 S Airport Road W
Traverse City, MI
49684

Telephone

+12313601370

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