What is Camp HOPE America – Oregon?

The idea behind Camp HOPE America – Oregon is to help children heal from trauma and have the fun, playful experiences that they deserve. Developed through the National Family Justice Center Alliance in 2003, Camp HOPE is based on proven research that indicates how important hope is for child survivors of violence. It is a natural extension of the Family Justice Center model.

Violence against children and families thrives on the silence and isolation of the victims. Often, when young people are exposed to violence, they withdraw — not only emotionally but also physically, jeopardizing their health in the process. In some cases they begin to act out the violence themselves, perpetuating a cycle.

Proven programming like Camp HOPE engages communities — encouraging residents to bring the issue of domestic violence out of the shadows by clarifying the way that violence affects children and adolescents.

Camp HOPE, structured around Dr. Chan Hellman’s “HOPE Theory” research, provides children ages 6 to 15 who have been exposed to domestic and/or sexual violence with the opportunity to get outdoors, play, and have fun.

These experiences sound simple enough, but for youth whose lives have been affected by violence, they are even more crucial to recovery from trauma. Camp HOPE includes programmatic elements related to emotional care (including nightly check-ins and positive character trait development), but the main focus is promoting healing through active play and recreation.

Why Here?

In 2014, A Safe Place Family Justice Center participated in the model by bringing children of program participants from A Safe Place to Camp HOPE California. Feedback from the local campers was overwhelmingly positive, and these experiences allowed advocates and counselors to learn from this valuable work. It also served as a catalyst to establish the model in Oregon so that more children from A Safe Place have increased access to this valuable opportunity.

There are many ways that you can a help and be involved:

• Make a pledge of financial support towards Camp HOPE Oregon
• Engage your friends and colleagues to sponsor a camper at Camp HOPE Oregon
• Garner support from your community organization or church to support Camp HOPE
• Become a Camp Counselor Lead or Camp Counselor!
• Volunteer at camp! To learn more about being a Support Staff volunteer, click here for more information and the volunteer application

Clackamas Women’s Services will serve as the lead service provider and fiscal sponsor for this project on behalf of A Safe Place Family Justice Center for Clackamas County. Development Director Brenda Kinoshita, is available to discuss your involvement and support. Brenda can be reached at 503-557-5820 or brendak@cwsor.org.

To make a tax-deductible gift, please address your gift to Clackamas Women’s Services, 256 Warner Milne Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045 or make a gift online at www.cwsor.org.