VOLUNTEER WITH CAMP HOPE
Impact the lives of others while transforming your own.
You don't need to cross oceans to go on a missions trip...
There are thousands of children who need the hope of the gospel, and they're RIGHT HERE in your backyard.
With a single week out of your summer, you can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. Every child we serve has experienced the trauma and aftermath of having their parent incarcerated. We want to invite you to be part of their healing. We believe the message of the gospel in the context of meaningful relationships has the power to transform—both their lives and yours.
Put your faith into action at Camp Hope.
WHY DO WE CARE ABOUT PARENTAL INCARCERATION?
BECAUSE IT LEAVES BROKENNESS IN ITS WAKE...
Families impacted by incarceration often report feelings of isolation, shame, and hopelessness.
>> We can show them that they're not alone.
Kids with an incarcerated parent are three times more likely to become justice-involved one day.
>> We can help to change their life trajectory.
Nearly 200,000 children in Georgia are impacted by parental incarceration.
>> We can make a difference in our own communities.
This is why we created Camp Hope.
Camp Hope is a ministry of Kidz2Leaders: a local Marietta-based nonprofit that has been serving families in Georgia for nearly 25 years.
We are Christ-centered, gospel-focused organization designed to serve kids who have an incarcerated parent.
Since our first summer camp in 2000—together with Angel Tree Ministries, Camp Twin Lakes, and our amazing community of volunteers—we have served more than 1,500 kids and family members.
This is why we created Camp Hope.
Camp Hope is a ministry of Kidz2Leaders: a local Marietta-based nonprofit that has been serving families in Georgia for nearly 25 years.
We are Christ-centered, gospel-focused organization designed to serve kids who have an incarcerated parent.
Since our first summer camp in 2000—together with Angel Tree Ministries, Camp Twin Lakes, and our amazing community of volunteers—we have served more than 1,500 kids and family members.
2023 VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL
"It was honestly one of the best weeks of my life..."
- Marina, Cabin Counselor
Serving with Camp Hope is a local, short-term mission trip that extends into opportunities throughout the year to connect with the kids and families we serve in Metro Atlanta.
Every summer we host two session of our week-long overnight camp for kids impacted by parental incarceration: Cornerstone Camp, for 8–12 year olds, and Teen Leadership Camp, for campers 13 and up.
At camp, kids have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of camp activities, bond with their cabin groups, hear gospel-centered messages of hope, and participate in times of worship and Bible study.
We believe life change happens through the power of Christ and in the context of relationship. That's why we aim for a one-to-one ratio of volunteers to campers.
Each session offers a wide variety of volunteer roles!
2023 VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL
“It was truly amazing—the connections I got to develop with the kids.”
- Foard, Cabin Counselor
OUR APPLICATION PROCESS
Camp Hope, as a ministry, is committed to the safety of our campers and volunteers. That's why we take all our applicants through a screening and training process. Here's how it works!
1
Put your faith into action! Begin your application process today by signing up to learn more.
2
Our team will reach out to walk you through the application process.
3
Once accepted, you'll attend an in-person training specific to your role so you can serve with confidence.
Please note: for any volunteers serving overnight at camp, the application process will include a Zoom interview, a background check (for volunteers 18+), and an additional online abuse prevention training.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are lots of ways to serve at Camp Hope!
You can serve as an individual, with your family or a church group, building relationships with kids or behind the scenes. Whatever your passion or gifting, we can use you. Just sign up to get started.
2023 VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL
“They said, ‘Mom, we have to do this every year.’”
- Edith, Cabin Counselor and mom to three teen counselors
OUR CURRICULUM
At Camp Hope, we use the "ALL IN" curriculum, which teaches the gospel through four key biblical concepts:
- HE MADE IT ALL
“All things have been created by Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16
- WE LOST IT ALL
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
- HE DOES IT ALL
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
- WE GIVE IT ALL
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
During our morning and evening gatherings, kids experience...
- high-energy worship
- high-quality teaching
- meaningful activities
2023 VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL
“Camp Hope has caused a paradigm shift in how I view Christ-like service.”
- Alexis, Cabin Counselor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are dates and location for Camp Hope 2024?
>> Camp Hope is held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia!
>> Cornerstone Camp (our session for first-time campers, beginning at age 8) will be held July 6–12, 2024.
>> Teen Leadership Camp (our session for returning campers, 13 and older) will be held July 14–19, 2024.
What are the Camp Facilities like?
>> Camp Twin Lakes is a gorgeous campground. Each cabin has air conditioning, an attached bathroom, and twin beds for 12 people, including campers and volunteers.
>> Camp Twin Lakes provides all our food at camp. They cook delicious meals, using produce grown on their own farm! You'll also be provided with snacks and lots of water during the day.
How much does it cost?
>> The cost to come to camp for a full week as a volunteer is $250. This helps to offset some of the camp costs, like food and maintenance. We encourage volunteers to think of Camp Hope as a short-term local mission trip!
>> If the cost of camp is an issue for you, please let us know. We don't want it to be a barrier to volunteering.
>> Volunteers who serve with check-in or in a single-day role do not have a cost to participate in camp.
How many volunteer hours will I receive?
>> Every full-week volunteer receives 100 service hours. Our staff are able to sign documentation for school or an employer.
>> Volunteers who serve with check-in or in a single-day role receive the number of hours for which they were scheduled.
What do you believe at Camp Hope?
>> We are a non-denominational, Christ-centered ministry, focused on bringing the hope of the gospel to kids and families experiencing the impact of parental incarceration.
>> We receive volunteers from many different denominational backgrounds, and we love working together. We ask that, while at camp, volunteers follow our guidelines for what faith concepts are taught and discussed with campers.
>> To learn more about our core beliefs, we encourage volunteers to read our Statement of Faith.
What is the schedule like at Camp Hope?
>> Our volunteers arrive a day early to settle in and prepare a warm welcome for our campers.
>> Once camp begins, our days are full of fun! We begin with breakfast and our morning gathering, then cabin groups rotate around to different camp activities like paddle boating, rock climbing, archery, or biking. After lunch, we have a devotional time, followed by an hour of rest, then more activity rotations. We wrap up the day with dinner and an evening gathering.
What if I have dietary restrictions or medical needs?
>> Camp Twin Lakes is able to accommodate dietary restrictions for all major allergens. Just let us know ahead of time so we can communicate with them!
>> We have nurses on-site who administers medications and keeps track of all known medical conditions for campers and volunteers. Let us know what your needs might be before you arrive at camp—we want to help you stay healthy and safe.
Can I serve with a group from my church?
>> Yes! We love partnering with and receiving volunteer teams from churches.
>> We'd love to connect with you. Please out to our Camp Programs Manager, Kayla Stahl at kayla.stahl@kidz2leaders.org, and we'll take it from there!
Can I bring my family?
>> Yes! We love have parents and older teens serving together at camp.
>> We also provide Kidz Camp, an on-site childcare option for kids ages four and up. They have their own cabins, their own camp staff, and enjoy lots of fun, age-appropriate camp activities!
What do I need to pack (or not pack)?
>> We'll send out information with the volunteer packing list and dress code prior to camp!
>> To create an environment where we are all able to be present and engaged, only adult cabin leaders are permitted to have phones at camp. Volunteers 19 and under may turn them in at check-in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are dates and location for Camp Hope 2024?
>> Camp Hope is held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia!
>> Cornerstone Camp (our session for first-time campers, beginning at age 8) will be held July 6–12, 2024.
>> Teen Leadership Camp (our session for returning campers, 13 and older) will be held July 14–19, 2024.
What are the Camp Facilities like?
>> Camp Twin Lakes a is gorgeous campground. Each cabin has air conditioning, an attached bathroom, and twin beds for 12 people, including campers and volunteers.
>> Camp Twin Lakes provides all our food at camp. They cook delicious meals, using produce grown on their own farm! You'll also be provided with snacks and lots of water during the day.
How much does it cost?
>> The cost to come to camp for a full week as a volunteer is $250. This helps to offset some of the camp costs, like food and maintenance. We encourage volunteers to think of Camp Hope as a short-term local mission trip!
>> If the cost of camp is an issue for you, please let us know. We don't want it to be a barrier to volunteering.
>> Volunteers who serve with check-in or in a single-day role do not have a cost to participate in camp.
How many volunteer hours will I receive?
>> Every full-week volunteer receives 100 service hours. Our staff are able to sign documentation for school or an employer.
>> Volunteers who serve with check-in or in a single-day role receive the number of hours for which they were scheduled.
What do you believe at Camp Hope?
>> We are a non-denominational, Christ-centered ministry, focused on bringing the hope of the gospel to kids and families experiencing the impacts of parental incarceration.
>> We receive volunteers from many different denominational backgrounds, and we love working together. We ask that, while at camp, volunteers follow our guidelines for what faith concepts are taught and discussed with campers.
>> To learn more about our core beliefs, we encourage volunteers to read our Statement of Faith.
What is the schedule like at Camp Hope?
>> Our volunteers arrive a day early to settle in and prepare a warm welcome for our campers.
>> Once camp begins, our days are full of fun! We begin with breakfast and our morning gathering, then cabin groups rotate around to different camp activities like paddle boating, rock climbing, archery, or biking. After lunch, we have a devotional time, followed by an hour of rest, then more activity rotations. We wrap up the day with dinner and an evening gathering.
What if I have dietary restrictions or medical needs?
>> Camp Twin Lakes is able to accommodate dietary restrictions for all major allergens. Just let us know ahead of time so we can communicate with them!
>> We have a nurse on-site who administers medications and keeps track of all known medical conditions for campers and volunteers. Let us know what your needs might be before you arrive at camp—we want to help you stay healthy and safe.
Can I serve with a group from my church?
>> Yes! We love partnering with and receiving volunteer teams from churches.
>> We'd love to connect with you. Please out to our Camp Programs Manager, Kayla Stahl, at kayla.stahl@kidz2leaders.org, and we'll take it from there!
Can I bring my family?
>> Yes! We love have parents and older teens serving together at camp.
>> We also provide Kidz Camp, an on-site childcare option for kids ages four and up. They have their own cabins, their own camp staff, and enjoy lots of fun, age-appropriate camp activities!
What do I need to pack (or not pack)?
>> We'll send out information with the volunteer packing list and dress code prior to camp!
>> To create an environment where we are all able to be present and engaged, only adult cabin leaders are permitted to have phones at camp. Volunteers 19 and under may turn them in at check-in.
SIGN UP TO LEARN MORE TODAY!
If the mission of Camp Hope resonates with you, don't wait.
We weren't made for a siloed Christian life, consumed by distractions and busy schedules. There are needs right here, and so much joy waiting to be discovered through service. When you put your faith into action, you'll make new connections, impact lives, and find your own transformed as well.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES AND OTHER NOTICES: As noted above, submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot at Camp Hope. Not every applicant is the right fit for our program, and that's okay!
We have seen our volunteers make meaningful connections with campers and have wonderful experiences at Camp Hope, but we are not able to guarantee any specific experience. We encourage you to lean in to all opportunities provided through our programs.