I have been involved with Julian Oaks since 2000. It is a wonderful camp that reaches out to the Foster Children and their lives are changed. The children are active all day and everyone including staff, counselors, campers bond together so special because Jesus Christ changes lives and hearts. As a counselor to a camp I have witnessed a broken child accept the Lord and live a new life that blesses all around them.
This non-profit, Christian camp focuses on helping foster kids-- who have usually been horribly abused-- develop a relationship with God. I have volunteered both as a counselor and a Jr. counselor. Every camper has a daily "one-on-one" time where they can talk to their counselors (who are always very carefully screened) about anything that's on their mind, pray, and get guidance from their counselor. I have been deeply impacted by this organization, even as a volunteer. This camp ministry is changing lives, helping many foster kids to live in a way that honors God and preparing them for a life dedicated to God.
Camp Julian Oaks, also known as Julian Oaks Youth Ministries is a non profit christian camp for current or former foster youth in San Diego and Riverside County. I have been attending this camp since I was 9 years old and I am now 21. This camp has impacted my entire life in a way you wouldn't think was possible. These people become the family that these kids, including myself, did and do not have. The counselors, staff, directors, and junior counselors all teach these children how to life a godly life and forgive those who have so badly hurt them. Camp provides a very fun enviornment, as any camp should, but goes beyond that to the matters of the heart. It is a safe enviornment where abused and neglected children ages 9-18 can share their stories with people who are ready to love on them and show them the Grace and Forgiveness that Jesus has to offer. Once I was too old to attend the camp, I became a volunteer doing junior counseling and staff work as well as speaking at fundraiser events to share my testimony about the impact Camp Julian Oaks has had and continues to have in my life. Though I am no longer a camper, I still have the "Family" that camp provided and they are my only support system now at almost 22 and this is true for many kids. Its a great cause and it really changes lives. If you would like more info about Julian Oaks Youth Ministries the website is: http://www.julianoaks.org/ Thank you