Camp Hope 2009

134 Campers & 321 Volunteers serving God =

1 AMAZING WEEK!

Seems like only yesterday, but in all reality, it was over a decade ago when, in a corner booth at the Chick-fil-A on Whitlock Avenue in Marietta, Georgia, I sat with two close friends and shared her dream of starting a camp for children with incarcerated parents. My how time flies when you’re having fun!

On Sunday evening, July 12^th, in the auditorium of Rock Eagle, Camp Hope celebrated it’s 10 Year Anniversary. On stage with me that night, were folks who were there for that very first camp which had a total of 32 people. My, my, has God done a work in us! Oh, we just “think” we are serving God by serving the children at Camp Hope when in reality the serendipity is that WE are blessed. Each and every time we pour ourselves into these children who have no hope of breaking the insane cycle of incarceration (National Statistic = 82% of inmate’s children will end up in prison), God smiles on us!

Let me tell you about a week at camp – we start the week on Sunday night with a message about FEAR – God conquers all fears, and He definitely protects us at camp too! Monday through Thursday, we celebrate four other main truth’s of God’s Essence… God’s LOVE, TRUST, FORGIVENESS, and JOY! Closing on Friday, we are reminded that God is with us ALWAYS.

This year, we were thrilled to highlight 21 of Camp Hope’s greatest campers from the past that returned as counselors and cabin leaders. The impact these camper-turned-counselors had on their campers – you have no idea!

And now to you! Our Volunteers! Every single volunteer played an integral role in the preparation of camp on so many levels; planning the campers’ transportation, leading Super Skilz, praying in the 24-hour prayer vigil and serving campers as the hands and feet of Christ during the week. We could NEVER do it without you all! Thank you so much! If you haven’t worked Camp Hope before, make it down for next year! I can’t promise what cabin you’ll be in, what kind of campers/counselors will be there, or that you will get much sleep – but I can promise you this… without a doubt, it will be the most difficult, heart-wrenching thing you’ll ever do, but equally so, without a doubt, when you see the Kingdom of God touch down onto one of your campers because of your efforts – and see their lives transformed – you will realize that Camp Hope is the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.

We were privileged to experience God’s amazing love at Camp Hope this year and look forward to seeing camp grow over the next ten years – with you right there with us! Come on and let’s go play! Thanks be to God!

- Rev. Diane Parrish