Camp HOPE America – Ventura County (Camp HOPE) is an evidence-based camping and mentoring program provided by the Ventura County Family Justice Center and sponsored by our Foundation. Ventura County children and teens have been going to Camp HOPE since 2015 to build hope, resiliency, and pathways to their dreams.
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Departure Day 2021 - Our campers, counselors, mentors, medical team, and adult staff gathered before loading the bus.
hope Is not just wishful thinking; it's a science
Activities like zip lining, art projects, and singing silly campfire songs encourage campers to step out of their comfort zones, develop positive relationships, and gain self-assurance to overcome challenges.
Multiple studies consistently find that children who are exposed to domestic violence and other traumas are at a higher risk for emotional, social, and behavioral difficulties both in the short- and long-term (Evans, et al., 2008; Kitzmann, Gaylord, et al., 2003; Wolf, et al., 2003). Providing a safe and enjoyable way for children to heal from trauma and develop a pathway to a better future is more important than ever.
Dr. Chan Hellman of the Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa began evaluating the national Camp HOPE America program in 2015. In order to assess changes in hope, resilience, and character development, a matched pre-camp, post-camp assessment design was used. Campers and camp counselors complete pre-camp and post-camp surveys. Each year, Dr. Hellman publishes results, which consistently indicate statistically significant increases in hope and resiliency as self-assessed by each camper. Camp counselors’ observations indicate statistically significant increases in in positive character behaviors, including hope, zest, grit, self-control, optimism, gratitude, social intelligence, and curiosity. These results show that the Camp HOPE America program is making a positive difference in the lives of the campers.
The theory behind Camp HOPE is simple – higher levels of hope among children lead to better academic, athletic, physical, and developmental outcomes (Snyder, 2002).
Dr. Chan Hellman of the Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa began evaluating the national Camp HOPE America program in 2015. In order to assess changes in hope, resilience, and character development, a matched pre-camp, post-camp assessment design was used. Campers and camp counselors complete pre-camp and post-camp surveys. Each year, Dr. Hellman publishes results, which consistently indicate statistically significant increases in hope and resiliency as self-assessed by each camper. Camp counselors’ observations indicate statistically significant increases in in positive character behaviors, including hope, zest, grit, self-control, optimism, gratitude, social intelligence, and curiosity. These results show that the Camp HOPE America program is making a positive difference in the lives of the campers.
The theory behind Camp HOPE is simple – higher levels of hope among children lead to better academic, athletic, physical, and developmental outcomes (Snyder, 2002).
