Camp Hope is a series of small camps for at-risk campers. Through this often life-changing, memorable week, campers are able to tell their stories, learn lifeskills and build community with each other, all while having so much fun. Catch the first installment of the series here.
Read some experiences from the 2016 and 2107 Camp Hope Series Director Jeremy McDuffie.
The Camp Hope Series gives campers a chance to push themselves under the supervision of compassionate, trained staff. With opportunities to try fishing, go tubing, visit the archery range, hold a snake, build a fire (and have s’mores!), make bracelets, do skits, reach new heights at the high ropes course, talk about life, and more, campers can experience new things and learn about themselves.
One of my favorite examples of this spans two summers. While I was working the second platform of the challenge course for Camp Grace in 2016, one of the campers became scared and froze on the course. After many attempts to verbally encourage the camper to finish the course, it was apparent she was not moving on her own and she asked me to carry her to the finish. While there were some tears, we finished the challenge course together, and she raced down the zipline to reach the ground.
Upon arriving at Camp Grace this year, the first thing she told me was, “Ain’t no way I’m doing high ropes this year!” By the time Thursday rolled around, she had changed her mind. She completed the whole course without any assistance. After reaching the second platform, she turned around and screamed, “Jeremy! I did it!” I will never forget the smile on her face in that moment as she enjoyed her accomplishment.
All of our Camp Hope Series campers receive a full campership. If you want to support this ministry to at-risk youth, you can make a donation to the campership fund.