Greetings from the Double J Ranch! I am hijacking Jason’s email this week while he and Nan kick off our Families who have lost loved ones retreat. We just finished three of the most amazing weeks of young adult and teen retreats here at the Double J Ranch. These retreats have had a profound impact on those who have attended and I am honored to be a small part of something so special. At the Jae Foundation, we believe that real leadership starts within—and this summer, we’ve seen that truth come alive through our retreats with these college-aged young adults and high school teen leaders. 

These retreats are much more than a break from routine, they’re an intentional investment into the hearts, minds, and futures of these young leaders. Each retreat centers on the five pillars of Self-Leadership: Purpose. Passion. Perspective. People. Priority. 

These themes guide every conversation, activity, and provide some amazing reflection. Participants are challenged to look inward, think deeply, and step forward into who they are becoming. The content is powerful and unforgettable. Participants leave these retreats equipped not just with tools—but with clarity. They often discover their “why,” reconnect with a sense of belonging, and realize that they are never alone. They leave knowing their lives have value, and their story matters. It’s an experience we hope they’ll never forget. 

We receive so many affirmations related to growth and healing from our participants.  A text I received today reads: 

“Jamie and team, thank you so much for everything you did for all of us this week.  I know you touch a lot of people’s hearts. Seeing the amount of love and care you have for all of us is amazing. I would just like to say thank you because I have been having some hard times in my life right now with relationships and I knew I had been needing to open up for awhile but I wasn’t able to until now. I was able to have a great conversation with a family member when I got home and I got a lot of good advice and encouragement. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!”   

This movement is big and together we are building a community of young leaders who live with intention, lead with compassion, and show up for themselves and each other. It’s what the Jae Foundation is all about: Creating Boot-Check moments and reminding everyone that they are loved, valued, needed and wanted here!  

Thank you for being a part of this mission. I have never been more hopeful about the next generation of teens and young adults. It’s Boot-Check Time!

With so much gratitude,