Camp HOPE 2021: A truly magical experience

Camp HOPE 2021 was nothing short of magical.

Camp HOPE is a weeklong, sleepaway camp hosted by Sojourner for children impacted by family violence. This year’s theme was Developing Dreams. Along with traditional summer camp activities (e.g., swimming, kayaking, archery, etc.), campers learned to build hope and resilience through an evidence-based curriculum to create a space where campers feel safe, seen, encouraged and loved. Over the week, campers learned to believe in themselves, others and in their dreams.

This year’s camp ran from July 5-10 with 26 campers participating. Sojourner’s Camp HOPE coordinator shares her views on this year’s experience.

How did camp go this year?

Camp went amazing this year. Last summer, camp programming was virtual. So, the excitement and anticipation for in-person camp was through the roof! Campers were able to swim, kayak, paddle board, climb on the rock wall and Alpine Tower, sing, dance, do archery, hike, mountain bike and countless other fun activities.

What can you tell us about this year’s campers?

We had 26 campers at Camp HOPE this summer. Due to COVID-19, we had a smaller group then in past years. We were small, but mighty! We welcomed 6 brand new campers and the rest were returning campers. We are hoping next year, we will be able to safely welcome more kids to experience Camp HOPE.

People often describe Camp HOPE as “magical.” Why?

Camp is totally magical. Throughout the several years I have been with Camp HOPE, I have had the incredible privilege to bear witness to the magic it brings. I could go on about all the moments I saw magic in our week at camp. It’s truly endless because there is magic in the little things, the big things and all the special moments in between.

I have worked with various camps throughout the years and what stands out to me about Camp HOPE is the question we ask every night, “Where did you see hope today?” Campers, counselors and staff will share their moment of hope they saw in themselves and others. In many, they share words of encouragement, perseverance, bravery, friendship, trust and well, hope! We also give character trait awards where every camper is recognized by their counselors and the whole camp for an amazing personality trait they have shown. This is a moment where a camper can feel special, cheered for and admired by the whole camp. Their smiles cannot be any bigger or brighter in these moments.

Specifically this year, I saw camp working its magic in the relationships campers have with one another and some of the staff. They were BEYOND excited to be back with their friends in a safe, beloved space. It’s been incredible and rewarding to see the community that has formed over the years. The magic is in the relationships, the “I love you’s” and the support given to one another.

Many of the older, returning campers also stepped up this year and became leaders at camp. They lead songs, chants, dances and really have become role models for the new and younger campers. Our oldest boy camper stepped up in a huge way and became our first Leader in Training. He is a natural born leader and is training to be a Camp HOPE counselor.

What’s the most challenging thing about running Camp HOPE?

There are many moving parts and “puzzle pieces” while running Camp HOPE. We don’t just offer one week at camp, the program is year-round. Managing all the different aspects of the program is a lot of work and countless people are involved in making Camp HOPE happen. In my eyes, the work is 100% worth it.

What’s your favorite thing about Camp HOPE?

My favorite thing about Camp HOPE is the incredible, resilient, hilarious, fun, brave, energetic and AMAZING campers who make Camp HOPE what it is. It would be nothing if it wasn’t for our beautiful campers.

The environment at Camp HOPE allows children to be 100% true to themselves. They feel empowered, loved, heard and seen. This environment is what creates more pathways to find hope in themselves, their dreams and others. They leave camp believing they can change world and they totally can!

How often do we host reunion events for campers?  

We aim to host a reunion every few months. The first one is coming up in August. This upcoming year, my goal is to make these reunions a top priority and to be very intentional with the programming. I see reunions as a way to stay connected, strengthen our Camp HOPE community, have fun and create the magic of camp all year-round.

What are you looking forward most to next year?

I am already counting down the days until we can go back to camp. I am really looking forward to hopefully, inviting more campers next year.

What else do you want people to know about Camp HOPE, the kids and/or our staff?

For people who have never been to camp, it’s sometimes hard to see and understand how impactful camp is for the kids we serve. During all the silly and fun times, we teach kids they are resilient beyond measure, that they can do hard things and show them their future can be brighter than their past.