My wife and I have been sponsoring campers for many years and will be attending Camp Hope Costa Rica as leaders for our 5th year. This is an organization that surrenders to where God is leading them to bring hope to children and families that don't see much hope in their daily lives. Because God is leading, each year is different and both campers and staff are brought closer to the love of God as only God can do. The camp is only a week, but the effort is year long as campers are connected to ministries near their home so they can continue to grow their faith. Former campers are now leaders which is a direct testament to the impact of this ministry. It's a blessing to be part of Hope For Families and be a witness to what God is doing in the life of everyone that is part of the Camp Hope Family.
I love Camp Hope! This team/family is so supportive and intentional. They put God first and treat everyone as a precious child created in His image. There are so many opportunities to be involved with this nonprofit, and being able to be a camp counselor has been a life-changing experience each time. I am so grateful to God for allowing me to be part of the Camp Hope experience and share the love of Christ with children around the world!
Camp Hope is hands down the best nonprofit. The work they do in the communities they serve can’t be matched. Everyone who works with Camp Hope sincerely cares about the kids they serve and will go above and beyond to make sure they know their importance in this world.
I have been engaged with Camp Hope for 13 years. It is by far the most effective organization I know that has a positive impact on the lives of at-risk children! It cannot be understated that a positive environment with people who genuinely care for these children will have a long lasting affect on their lives.
I've been a group leader in Camp Hope for three years and I can say every time it changed my life in many ways. In there you cover yourself with a cloak of unconditional love and understanding, you feel protected and the need of protecting the ones who think that don't belong. We are Jesus' body, we are his hand and his will, it's our duty to help those children, make them know that they are loved, that we belong to them.
I’ve been in camp hope for 4 years now and I can say that God has changed my life through it. In just one week of camp you see how God impacts the children and the staff life. Camp hope is a nonprofit organization that has blessed so many lifes (including mine). Camp hope means God and love. Those are the 2 things I feel whenever I think of this beautiful ministry.
I've served at Camp Hope as a leader for two years, and I'm sure that God loves and supports what we do there. Camp Hope shows every child how much Jesus loves them and gives them the hope for a better future. I've seen kids accepting Jesus and changing the way they live because during the week, they understand that the life that Jesus wants for them is more than what they see everyday. I love Camp Hope!
Camp Hope represents so many good things that I even don't know how to start. The fact of sharing the gospel with kids and teens who need to hear a message of hope is the greatest gift. More than sharing life-changing experiences, we become family by praying and sharing our needs. To be reminded that one is valuable, made with purpose, and loved like crazy is what our goal is, and I am so proud to be part of it.
I started serving at Camp Hope Costa Rica in 2015 (when it began) and It has been a blessing, an opportunity to open doors to share what God has prepared for these children, which is unconditional love, also God has surprised me because Camp Hope is not just a week of camp it is more than that, is about love, justice, compassion, service, joy, worship, prayer, change, caring and HOPE for the children and all the staff serving (it is reciprocal). We as Camp Hope team give all our energy, time, abilities, talents, love and fun to let the children know that there is hope despite their circumstances, so when you get to experience serving at Camp Hope you get satisfied because the seed was planted and we believe in seeing its fruits. Also in Costa Rica we do activities pre camp to follow up on the campers and families. Finally, I must say that this ministry is special, and has more to give, I am very grateful to be part of it.
with love, Yoanci.
It's my second year as an uncle (volunteer) at Camp Hope. This year I was in charge of the little ones. Their stories are difficult but they found Hope in Jesus. The first day they arrived with complicated behaviors but on the last day they left for their homes with love of God in their hearts.
Josué Gdo US
I've participated in Camp Hope as a volunteer group leader both in the kids and teens camp a couple of years ago and have only good memories of the camp. The camp's name stands for itself as it brings hope to those that might have given up on it due to the difficulties faced everyday or circumstances in the family. But centered around God through its staff, games and worship, Camp Hope brings hope back to life.
Having been part of this camp myself, I recommend supporting it or volunteering for it.
I have been a group leader in camp Hope for several years and it's an honour to serve in this camp. Camp Hope is a place where children can exieprance God's love and where the lives has changed.
Whatever role you step into at Camp Hope be prepared because there is no way you can't be impacted, it's life changing. There's something magical about camp the walls come down and the smiles get bigger and it's like pressing fast forward because the relationships with kids and your peers naturally grows deep quick. It's crazy because no matter what position your in you feel like a camper because at Camp Hope everyone has an all in attitude. So whether it's crafts, performing skits, dancing, slip n sliding everyone is all in. Doing these experiences grows your relationship with your kids and they feel like your in it with them. Being the hands and feet of Jesus can sometimes mean doing a silly dance in front the whole camp with your cabin and that's okay. All the little moments add up and you walk away with stories from kids that forever ripple in your heart and make you want to do it again and again.
Camp Hope changes lives! For the past 8 years, I've had the opportunity to serve alongside a team of passionate, dedicated volunteers who love kids and who love Jesus. Camp Hope provides a safe place for kids to experience a variety of great activities, inspirational worship, and heart changing devotion time. My daughter has also served in different positions at camp over the past 8 years. The time she spends talking about Jesus to other kids has motivated her to learn more and to serve more. She has such a philanthropic heart which has blossomed through her experiences at Camp Hope. I love that Camp Hope is much more than a one week camp experience. The partnership that Camp Hope has with local ministries helps to ensure that campers are supported throughout the year. The Camp Hope staff work to build relationships with kids and families that last all year. This is such a wonderful organization that forever changes the heart of the kids who attend camp and the heart of the staff who serve at camp! This is why I have chosen to serve as a volunteer and as a board member! They say that where you spend your time, your treasures, and your talent is where your heart is....My heart is with Camp Hope!
I have been involved with Camp Hope for 2 years now. This experience has changed my perspective, it has strengthened my relationships with others and it has grown my faith in the Lord. Loving kids from hard places, giving them hope and a purpose is the true mission of this organization, and they do it so well! I am thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside people who care so deeply about others.
It’s a great honor to be part of Camp Hope family. The time in the camp is always a highlight of the year for the kids and young people and all the volunteers as well. It’s a safe place for all the campers where they can be out of their usual situations and feel loved and cared for.
My family has been involved in some way with this organization for 9 years. It is life changing for the campers and for those volunteering. It my childrens' favorite weeks of the year! We hope to travel outside of the United States with Camp Hope in the future. We have been blessed to be part of such an amazing organization.
I am a pastor at The Bridge RVA-a church for children...and adults. We have had the privilege of sending children to Camp Hope Richmond for the past 3 summers. This year we had 24 attend, including 6 older teens who returned as volunteers. These teens transitioned from ‘being served’ to ‘serving others’. They, along with all the younger children will talk enthusiastically about Camp until next summer. I’m so grateful for all the volunteers and doners who sow into these precious young lives. It’s a worthwhile investment, as I witness the fruit in the weeks and months that follow Camp. Thank You So Much!!!
I was a child that came out of difficult circumstances, and as a result, I have a strong desire to point children and teens towards the same hope that I received. God is bigger than their circumstances, they have a purpose, and Jesus loves them dearly. Through, Camp Hope, children are given not only a week of fun and discipleship but mentorship year-round through ministry partners, and Camp Hope volunteers alike. I have seen God move mountains, walls come crumbling down, children grow in their faith and become leaders in their community. Camp Hope is a gift to ALL that are involved.
Camp Hope Richmond has been one of the highlights of my life so far. It’s a truly amazing program and I have been so blessed to see God’s work over the years on the at-risk youth that come to camp.
Hope and love are not part of everyday life for many children living in the hard places this world has to offer. Remedying this reality is not seen as a priority for many, not so for Hope For Families.
Hope For Families, as it's primary mission, operates several free camp experiences for kids that come from these difficult situations. Through dedicated volunteers, each child is shown that there is hope and love in this world. Swimming, fishing, crafts, games, dinners together and inspirational gatherings that highlight the redeeming love of Jesus Christ provide the foundation that changes lives.
I have seen the transformation for myself. When a child knows that someone cares about them it makes a difference. Hope For Families and its volunteers make the difference!
It has been always an honour to serve and be a part of this organisation. For manny years i have been going to these camp's serving as a group leader and photographer.
I have seen how God is using each leader to be a part in these kids life's and circumstances. Without God's love it wouldn't be possible.
For manny Teens these camps has been a huge turning point in to their life's - they realise that they can live differently than their parents live. And the most important part - they know that they have Heavenly father who will always Love, protect and give a wisdom - what to do next!
Even My own faith has grown through these camps!
Simply put, Camp Hope is life changing! Life changing not only for the campers but for all those who are involved. For over 10 years my family has given both of time and money to Camp Hope. We have watched how this ministry touches these children on a personal level. We have seen walls come down and hearts start to open. I can truly say that this is the most important thing my family has ever been apart of. We are blessed to be apart of the Camp Hope family!
I have been a part of Camp Hope for many years as a group leader. This is a way to change lives, both volunteers' and campers'. If I had more money myself, I would choose to support Camp Hope financially. Until that, I will choose to support them by donating my time and praying for them.
Camp Hope is a movement serves those who are much less lucky than most of us. It is and inspiration and also very practical help to those families who struggle to keep their heads above the water and to those kids who come from families that are given up on life or have become abusive.
I have been part of Camp Hope for 14 years and I can tell you that it has totally changed my life. I came to volunteer with Camp Hope Latvia 14 years ago and about 10 years ago I started co-leading Camp Hope in Latvia. I started working with these families afterward and I have seen how Camp Hope has changed the lives of kids, teenagers and their families. They talk about Camp Hope all year long because it's their happy place - at Camp Hope, they meet people that love them unconditionally, they do fun and very creative crafts, they dance and sing, they play games - and they can be kids who don’t have to worry about not being safe and someone judging them because of the situation at home. They get good and healthy food (at home - that's not always the case) and they can hear about Jesus.
Camp Hope serve about 500 kids/youth (Latvia, Richmond and Costa Rica), but I know that the impact of Camp Hope goes beyond that because the loves and acceptance they feel at Camp Hope - they pass it on to their families, schools etc.
I consider myself very blessed to be able to be part of the Camp Hope Family.
Camp Hope really provides such an awesome opportunity for a believer in Jesus Christ to walk out what Jesus calls us to do! Through Camp Hope, we share His Love with the “the least of these!” We are able to share the Grace that God has gifted to each one of us through His Son!!
Don
Camp Hope has been one of the biggest ways I’ve been able to grow in my faith. Especially as a teenager, it is often times hard for me to find a place where I belong, but at Camp Hope, I felt like the perfect piece of the family puzzle. They have given me a new home and I am forever thankful! Everyone should be a part of Camp Hope!!!
Two of my children went to camp years ago. They came home super excited about all the things they did. I begin to get really excited and wanted to join. The year I volunteer was the best week ever. This is now my 5th year volunteering and every year it gets sweeter.
We have supported camp hope both with our time and money for over a decade for a number of reasons: 95 cents of every dollar raised directly support families, we are able to serve together as a family, the board/CEO/ volunteers are strongly rooted in sharing love and hope with children across the world, and most importantly because we've witnessed first hand the life-changing impact this organization has on the children and families it serves!
When I first walked into the building I could already feel the love. Camp hope is full of passion and love and it’s all about honoring Jesus. I was put with the younger cabin and I got to hear some of the hard things they were going through, we talked it out what they were going through, there were tears, but there was so much love. Camp hope really changed my life and allowed me to help with kids which is what I love and honor jesus at the same time. I absolutely loved this experience and can’t wait for next year!
Such a great non profit! It is filled with volunteers who truly love what they do. God’s love is most definitely reflected through Camp Hope!
My family has been volunteering with Hope For Families (Camp Hope) for 14 years. We began when our children were young and wanted to find a family-friendly way to serve others...but one that had a deep purpose rooted in sharing the love of Jesus Christ. That is exactly what we get with Camp Hope. We have served in Latvia and Costa Rica and some of our dearest friends have come from our time at Camp Hope. This non-profit stretches every dollar to create beautiful experiences for children from around the world. While they provide camp at no cost to the campers, they make sure every aspect of the program is excellent. Children receive a week of awesome experiences, love, worship, top quality crafts, T-shirts and photographs of themselves from a professional photographer. The program is developed in such a way that the interaction with the children is natural and comfortable and most of all--FUN! I love Camp Hope!
I have been both donating and serving on a volunteer basis for Camp Hope for close to 10 years. I became involved after my son started serving as a staff member and he came home simply blown away at the experience HE had serving the kids from the toughest parts of Richmond. It changed his life and I needed to be more connected as a result!
We work with ministry partners in the Richmond community who provide us with a list of kids who would benefit from Camp Hope- some come with no bags- just smiles on their faces and excitement about the week ahead. The camp we use is not ours, just ours for the week or two that we use it! We turn it into the most amazing week of our campers lives. Many return year after year and ultimately want to serve- and we add them as staffers, who then model the love of Jesus to the next generation of campers.
God continues to provide in so many ways and we are so grateful for each and every dollar that is donated. God has a purpose for each and everyone of us- it is so important for me to help support this ministry to help share that good news! These kids lives are filled with such difficult surroundings and circumstances - this is a week to relax and understand there IS HOPE in Jesus! Lives are changed at Camp Hope. God is truly in this place.
Hope For Families was born of a desire for families to serve together on the Mission Field. As it has done from the beginning, Hope For Families provides a free, residential summer camp experience for children who would otherwise not have an opportunity to attend camp. The mission and focus of every camp and every volunteer is to provide an experience where campers learn that they are loved by God and created with a purpose. I have been a part of more than 10 summer camps with Hope For Families in Latvia and Richmond. I have been amazed and blessed to see the changes in children that love, Good News, and meeting them right where they are make. Loving children: witnessing change, in my opinion the very base of Camp Hope!
I have been involved with Hope for Families for over 10 years as a volunteer and Board member. This is a 100% volunteer organization with passionate and committed leaders and volunteers all focused on changing lives. We develop and value our partnerships and relationships with the other ministries who support the Camp Hope children and families.
I don't know of any other organization that touches as many children and families in need by sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. We provide a week of free camp where children from hard places see our values in action - Gospel, Love, Unity and Excellence. Camp Hope allows children to experience first hand that they are valuable, that they were created for a good purpose and that God loves them. We believe Hope Changes Everything!
I have been working with HFF for well over a decade. No other organization in Virginia reaches more impoverished children for Christ than HFF!! The staff is completely committed to changing lives! I can't think of a better way for me to personally have an impact on the lives of so many!!
Craig DiSesa
