Line dancing, hip hop, popping and locking at Camp HOPE Oregon this summer!
This summer Camp HOPE America – Oregon created a vibrant, connected community for 45 young campers!
We were excited to offer an in-person day camp experience after going virtual in 2020. It was great to see returning campers in person and meet new campers and volunteers who are now part of our Camp HOPE community. Camp HOPE aims to break the generational cycle of family violence by empowering youth to believe in themselves, in others, and in their dreams through a collaborative and trauma-informed approach.
Starting the week, campers selected their cabin names and created a chant and a flag. We saw creative names like The Foodies and Green Boba Bees Nuggets, and cabin chants were sung loud and proud! Throughout the week, campers connected with each other over games of Uno, friendship bracelets, and field games.
Campers had the opportunity to try horseback riding, and we saw them step into their “Challenge Zone.” At Camp HOPE, we embrace the concept of “Challenge by Choice” and support campers who are on their journey to leave their “Comfort Zones” and enter their “Challenge Zones.” A camper’s “Challenge Zone” can look like many things, such as talking to someone new or trying a new activity. While we encourage campers to enter their Challenge Zone, no campers are ever pressured to – it’s all by choice. We are so grateful for our partnership with The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Posse that makes horseback riding available to campers.
Another “Challenge Zone” opportunity the next day was kayaking on the Willamette River! Adventures without Limits guided campers up the river, and campers worked together in their tandem kayaks as they explored.
Field games and a dance jam were part of the last day: campers line danced, hip hopped, and popped and locked! We loved watching their creative and energetic dance moves! At the final campfire, they shared where they saw hope during the day. It was truly heartwarming to see their personalities shine as they talked about making new friends and trying new and different things.
The Camp HOPE community is thriving! We thank our nine energetic camp counselors, 11 dedicated staff members, 14 wonderful volunteers, and the generous supporters who helped create this joyful experience for campers.
Special thanks to Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse, First American Title, Lake Ridge High School ASB, Northwest MVP, and the Early Learning Hub of Clackamas County for generously supporting Camp HOPE!