>> START GETTING THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
>> GIVE YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCES THEY'LL NEVER FORGET
>> FIND A COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE CHALLENGES
WHAT IF YOU COULD CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR CHILD'S LIFE?
If you are raising a child with an incarcerated parent, this is for you.
No one ever expects to be in this situation.
Whether you're a single parent, a grandparent, a relative, or another caregiver, raising a child who has an incarcerated parent comes with unique challenges.
YOU MAY BE WONDERING...
How can I afford to provide fun childhood experiences for my kids when it can be a struggle just to keep the lights on?
How can I find opportunities for my child to learn new skills when I'm not sure who I can really trust?
Where can I send my child so they're not stuck behind screens when the neighborhood isn't always a safe place to play?
How can I build community connections, or even connect with my own family, when it feels like there's always some new crisis?
How can I share about what I'm going through with others when I'm worried they'll judge my situation?
How can I find the consistent support I need as I parent my child, not just for today, but from now until they reach adulthood?
... AND YOU'RE NOT ALONE.
Nearly 200,000 children in Georgia are impacted by parental incarceration.
>> That's a lot of families.
Kids with an incarcerated parent are three times more likely to become justice-involved one day.
>> That can feel really scary.
Families impacted by incarceration often report feelings of isolation and shame.
>> That's a lot to carry.
YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR KIDS A GREAT CHILDHOOD AND SET THEM UP FOR A WONDERFUL FUTURE.
We do too.
That's why we created Camp Hope.
Camp Hope is a week-long overnight camp. It's the only camp in Georgia that is designed for kids who have an incarcerated parent.
Since our first summer camp in 2000, we have served more than 1,500 kids and family members—families just like yours.
We do too.
That's why we created Camp Hope.
Camp Hope is a week-long overnight camp. It's the only camp in Georgia that is designed for kids who have an incarcerated parent.
Since our first summer camp in 2000, we have served more than 1,500 kids and family members—families just like yours.
Camp Hope exists to provide stability, opportunity, and a Christian community for children of inmates.
Together, we are breaking the cycle of generational incarceration.
When your child enters Camp Hope at eight years old, we commit to a long-term partnership with your family, providing ten years of support and high-quality programming.
We open a limited number of first-time camper spaces for new families every year.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Camp Hope is more than just an awesome week away at camp, it's your family's entry point into a decade of support, community, and opportunities...
A WEEK OF ADVENTURE
See your child flourish in a safe, beautiful environment!
> Grow confident in new skills with expert coaching, such as rock climbing, horseback riding, cycling, archery, and more
> Experience a week without screens
> Play games and have fun in the great outdoors
MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Forge lasting connections! We intentionally assign kids to cabins by age and have a one-to-one ratio of volunteers to campers.
> Create bonds with peers through cabin groups
> Enjoy focused care and leadership from trusted counselors
> Reconnect with friends and volunteers throughout the year
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Build skills that last a lifetime! As campers grow, our curriculum grows with them, offering new opportunities.
> Grow through leadership training sessions
> Utilize teamwork to achieve goals
> Engage in creative problem solving tasks, like engineering challenges and ropes course navigation
A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Gain access to quarterly events throughout the year for your whole family!
> Join a supportive community of families who can relate to your experience
> Enjoy weekend retreats together as a family
> Receive tangible support through back-to-school and holiday events
MESSAGES OF HOPE
At the heart of camp is the hope of the gospel!
> Experience high-energy times of worship during morning and evening gatherings
> Learn about God's love from highly-qualified Christian speakers
> Participate in meaningful times of reflection
CAMP HOPE IS FREE
Here's why...
The cost of our programs is covered in full by our generous community of donors, making it possible for us to offer Camp Hope at no cost to the families in our program.
The value of a year in the Camp Hope program includes:
- A week at Camp Hope
($1,200 value)
- Bi-annual Family Retreats
($2,000)
- Back-to-School and Holiday Events
($1,500 value)
TOTAL VALUE:
$4,700
YOUR COST:
$0
HOW IT WORKS...
Because the Camp Hope has more demand than camper spots available each year, we select applicants using a computer generated randomization process. Each family may fill out one application. This allows families to be able to enroll easily and equitably.
By following these three simple steps, you will enter your name into the randomized selection process.
1
See if you qualify for camp, and we will get in touch with you via text to help you get started!
2
Fill out an application online and schedule a phone call with our team to finalize your application.
3
Look for a notification via text and email to find out if the randomization process selected your application.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the dates for Camp Hope 2024?
>> Cornerstone Camp (our session for first-time campers, beginning at age 8) will be held in Rutledge, GA on July 7–12, 2024.
What are the Camp Facilities like?
>> We will be returning to Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. It's a gorgeous camp environment, with air-conditioned cabins and lots of fun activities to enjoy!
>> Camp Twin Lakes provides all our food at camp. They cook delicious meals, using produce grown on their own farm! Campers will also be provided with snacks and lots of water during the day.
Who will be with my child?
>> Camp is run by a team of staff and volunteers. Every volunteer goes through a thorough review process before being accepted.
>> We aim for a one-to-one volunteer to camper ratio, ensuring our campers receive a high level of individualized care.
How old does my child need to be for Camp Hope?
>> We accept first-time campers who are eight to eleven years old at Camp Hope.
>> Once kids enter our ten-year program, they may continue returning to camp through their senior year of high school—then they enter our alumni community!
What if my child can't swim?
>> Kids do not need to be able to swim to participate in water activities at Camp Hope! We have skilled life guards on duty during all pool times, and the pool facilities are designed to be safe for all levels of swimmers.
>> Every activity, from archery to bike riding, is designed with beginners in mind! Our camp staff teach kids the skills they need to be successful.
How will I know how my child is doing?
>> During Camp Hope, families receive daily email updates and have access to a private gallery of photos.
>> To encourage campers to be fully present in the activities and community at Camp Hope, no cell phones are permitted at camp. Cabin Leaders and staff will have the ability to make calls when needed.
How does my child get to camp?
>> We provide camper check-in and bus transportation from Cobb County on the first day of camp. Camper pick-up is provided at the same site at the end of camp.
>> For families who prefer to provide their own transportation, we offer on-site check-in at the camp.
What does my child need to bring?
>> Whatever they have! We send out a list with all the suggested and non-permitted items in our camper welcome packet. Send what you can, and your child can grab anything else they need from our camp closet, which is well stocked with all kinds of supplies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the dates for Camp Hope 2024?
>> Cornerstone Camp (our session for first-time campers, beginning at age 8) will be held in Rutledge, GA on July 7–12, 2024.
What are the Camp Facilities like?
>> We will be returning to Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. It's a gorgeous camp environment, with air-conditioned cabins and lots of fun activities to enjoy!
>> Camp Twin Lakes provides all our food at camp. They cook delicious meals, using produce grown on their own farm! Campers will also be provided with snacks and lots of water during the day.
Who will be with my child?
>> Camp is run by a team of staff and volunteers. Every volunteer goes through a thorough review process before being accepted.
>> We aim for a one-to-one volunteer to camper ratio, ensuring our campers receive a high level of individualized care.
How old does my child need to be for Camp Hope?
>> We accept first-time campers who are eight to ten years old at Camp Hope.
>> Once kids enter our ten-year program, they may continue returning to camp through their senior year of high school, then they enter our alumni community!
What if my child can't swim?
>> Kids do not need to be able to swim to participate in water activities at Camp Hope! We have skilled life guards on duty during all pool times, and the pool facilities are designed to be safe for all levels of swimmers.
>> Every activity, from archery to bike riding, is designed with beginners in mind! Our camp staff teach kids the skills they need to be successful.
How will I know how my child is doing?
>> During Camp Hope, families receive daily email updates and have access to a private gallery of photos.
>> While campers are not permitted to have cell phones at camp, a phone is available at the med lodge for campers who wish to call family members.
How does my child get to camp?
>> We provide camper check-in and bus transportation from Cobb County on the first day of camp. Camper pick-up is provided at the same site at the end of camp.
>> For families who prefer to provide their own transportation, we offer on-site check-in at the camp.
What does my child need to bring?
>> Whatever they have! We send out a list with all the suggested and non-permitted items in our camper welcome packet. Send what you can, and your child can grab anything else they need from our camp closet, which is well stocked with all kinds of supplies.
You made it this far... NOW IS THE TIME.
Don't wait to get the support you need! We are only able to accept a limited number of new campers. Our team is hard at work preparing an amazing camp experience for our new campers, and we’d love for your child to be among them.
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR CAMP HOPE TODAY!
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES AND OTHER NOTICES: As noted above, if you are qualifying family, submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot at Camp Hope. Because our demand exceeds the number of camper spots available, we use a computer randomization selection process. This maintains equitable and fair enrollment practices. Basically, everybody is treated fairly and equally. If you are selected, you will be notified. If you are not selected, there will not be another opportunity to apply.
We have seen our alumni grow and succeed in wonderful ways, but we are not able to guarantee any outcomes for our campers' futures. We encourage your family to lean in to all opportunities provided through our programs. We are here to help you as the primary caregiver as you raise your child. Your community is waiting, we hope to see you soon!