Pathways: Year-Round Programming

The Pathways to HOPE Project (Pathways) began when the nationally recognized work of Camp HOPE America created a year-round program for 100 children and teens (ages 11-17) from Imperial and San Diego Counties. From there, it has grown and spread to become a key aspect of Camp HOPE America.

The goal of Pathways is to mitigate the impacts of trauma in our campers through holistic year-round programming and mentorship.  After each child’s week at camp in the summer, they have the opportunity to participate in monthly activities throughout the year, alongside counselors and Adult Staff mentors. The goal of these activities is to help them focus on achieving goals for their lives while exposing them to knowledge and experiences associated with nature, college prep, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Our central goal is that through Pathways, we can change the future of children that would otherwise very likely be subjected to lives of perpetuated violence, incarceration, substance abuse, and other dysfunctions.

We believe that the innovative approach of combining the power of Camp HOPE America’s summer program with year-round mentoring and educational activities can create pathways to hope for children who need it most. The anticipated outcomes include increased HOPE Scores, improvements in self-regulation, esteem and efficacy, consistent child and parental engagement, improved school performance, increased interest in college and vocational programs, increased knowledge of a variety of career options, and improved emotional health and well-being.

Camp HOPE America does not end with camp. Our focus on mentoring is emphasized through the year-round programming implemented by Site Coordinators around the country. We have learn that when youth have mentors, they are able to develop positive relationships in other aspects of their lives, as well as social attitudes that positively affect others around them.

Year-round programming involving mentors for youth matters because:

• 55% more likely to enroll in college
• 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
• 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
• 90% become interested in being a mentor for others