Campers and staff had another amazing year at Camp HOPE America – Idaho! Throughout the week, the kids were able to face their fears, build trust, learn team communication skills, and have FUN! Can’t wait to see what the rest of summer has in store!
“Camp HOPE America – Idaho proved to be another great year! With more campers than ever before, we completely filled our bus and headed to camp in beautiful Cascade, Idaho. Our campers enjoyed some fun water activities and were challenged on the ropes course and zip line our first afternoon at Trinity Pines Camp and Conference Center, our wonderful partner camp. The Trinity Pines staff encouraged our campers to challenge themselves, and we watched several campers who were determined NOT to go on the zip line, take one small step at a time by putting on their harness, climbing the ladder, then ascending the tree. It was so exciting to watch them face their fears and push themselves beyond what they thought was possible, and walk back up the hill with huge smiles of accomplishment across their faces. At campfire we heard how new friends saw hope in the courage and encouragement of others.
Rafting was a great way to show campers that we truly do need each other. As they worked together to conquer the rapids of the Payette, YD Adventures Idaho (our whitewater rafting outfitter), talked about the different roles each person plays, and the value that each individual brings to the table. Campers engaged in a team challenge that tested their verbal and non-verbal communication skills as well as their trust in each other.
A morning of mindfulness and a hike through the woods provided the perfect opportunity to unwind after some pretty wild adventures. As campers found stones of encouragement hidden along the path, they were encouraged to take in the sights, smells and sounds around them. They then spent time creating bracelets focused on their individual strengths (gathered from Strengths Explorer assessments they took before camp). They had the opportunity to burn up their old labels, and replace them with positive attributes.
During our final campfire, our campers watched as flames changed from orange to blue, and we talked about the impact they get to have on the world around them as their light inspires others. The Camp HOPE America – Idaho campers were truly an inspiration to us; their courage and resilience, their laughter and ear-to-ear smiles—this is why we do camp, and why we can’t wait for next year!”
– Jennifer Perry, Forensic Interviewer & MDT Coordinator/Therapist – Nampa Family Justice Center
