By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
Last week, child victims of domestic violence and abuse gathered at Camp Daley in Calabasas for the 10th annual Camp Hope. Nearly 60 Ventura County children, ages seven to seventeen, attended the six-day, five-night summer camp.
Campers participated in classic activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, archery, wall climbing, zip lining and singing around a campfire. In addition, they engaged with educational materials created by the Alliance for HOPE International, designed to remind each child that there is hope for their future regardless of their past.
“Children deserve to laugh and play, but for many child victims of crime that gets stolen from them,” said Acting Chief Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker, who leads the District Attorney’s Victim and Community Services Division. “At Camp Hope, that sense of play is given back to them with a reminder that they matter and they have a future.”
The camp is offered free of charge through the support of the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation and its donors.
“I wish all of our generous donors could see Camp Hope to fully understand what a difference they make for these young people,” said Foundation Board Chair Dianne McKay. “The research-based camp activities are about breaking the trauma cycle and letting them be kids. We are so grateful for every donation.”
Young adults from Ventura County served as camp counselors, while District Attorney staff and community volunteers organized and staffed the camp.
Several nonprofit partners also contributed to this year’s program. Childhood Matters led a mental health wellness activity, Epic Foundation hosted a BMX-style obstacle course, and Freedom Youth Foundation organized a basketball clinic. Reins of Hope provided equine therapy with miniature horses, while Artists for Trauma led a series of creative workshops.
In addition to the summer program, District Attorney staff and nonprofit partners continue engaging with campers throughout the year to provide ongoing support.
Individuals or businesses interested in supporting Camp Hope may contact the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation at (805) 652-7636 or vcfjcfoundation@gmail.com.
