FAQs

The campers come from a number of different areas. From Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Connecticut. New York City, and other surrounding urban areas. Most campers come from “Ghetto” or depressed areas within the confines of these cities.

For every child the situation is different.  Whether fatherless, motherless, abuse, or whatever it may be, it is fair to say that most of the children are “at risk” children and are in need of what Camp Hope has to offer.  It’s our prayer that your efforts with Camp Hope will help bring about that change in their home life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The sessions vary in length and we have anywhere between 50- 80 campers.  We have 1 counselor to every 2-3 kids ratio.  You can look at our activities page and see the many activities we do during a camp session

Yes, although a new session begins on Sunday afternoon each week.   You would be expected to be on grounds and ready at least one hour prior to new session arrival.

The responsibilities are rather simple but require a tremendous amount of focus.

Basically, you are assigned to a girls or boys cabin where you stay as a missionary, along with a few other missionaries, and asked to give all the love of Christ you can to that cabin.

You are Jesus to those children. The “I’m Third Life” becomes a reality;  God First, Others second, I’m Third. You will discover a new you and who you really are.  It is truly as much a learning experience for you as it is for the children.

Your daily responsibilities consist of doing a morning devotion and prayer with the children, then spending the rest of the day with them. Swimming, boating, hiking, the High Ropes course, eating with them and so forth.  You are with them pretty much 24/7. This gives you the opportunity for ministry moments.  We believe that ministry normally does not occur in a planned scenario.  We believe that creating the proper environment, such as camp, opens the door daily to many ministry moments that these children remember for a lifetime.

It’s a child opening up to you after playing basketball and finally talking to somebody about his mother dying of AIDS.  Or while on a hike the child starts asking questions about creation and you are ready to talk about God’s creation and how the child is special and made in the image of God.   It’s ministry moments like that, that make kids beg to come back to Camp Hope time and time again.

You can stay as long or short as you like.  Your length of days will, of course, determine your responsibilities given.    Every person must fill out an application,  please note how much time you would like to stay.  Camp Hope is always flexible as everyone’s schedules are different.

After the application process, your salary is offered and set.  Since salaries vary according to responsibilities here at camp, it is difficult to state a definite salary.  Along with your salary, you will receive room and board.  Although the salary is not as high as we would like, we know that it is among the highest in the camp industry.

Yes.

Camp Hope Staff members consist not only of local volunteers but also from around the United States.  Many of our staff are international students coming from Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Ghana, Venezuela, etc.

Though the number varies, approximately 40.

We have a variety of ages.  The majority are college students.  18-26.

Yes; however, it will only be available during your off times.

Yes.

Yes.

Only with advanced leadership approval.

GREAT!   Camp Hope is known for its great meals.   Compliments abound from our campers and guest over the delicious meals and desserts we serve.

The summer days are generally hot.  The 80’s to 90’s.  In the evenings the weather can drop as much at 10-15 degree’s cooling off the night.

Summer weather “cool” clothes.  Bring along a wind breaker or light jacket.

Yes.  Many of the staff do Wal-Mart runs and go to McDonalds, etc.  Also, the camp sells T-shirts and other small items that you may find of interest.