melanie

One of the things that makes Kidz2Leaders special is long-term relationships. A camper arrives at Camp Hope for the first time, not knowing anyone, and finds people who welcome them, encourage them, and keep showing up year after year. For Deanna, those relationships had a lasting impact on her life. Today, she can look back on the people who shaped her experience and see how their influence continues to open doors for her.

“I just started going to Camp Hope in 2004 when I was 8 years old,” Deanna recalls. “I remember I was scared, but my counselor Carolyn made camp feel welcoming. She was the reason why I came back, because she made such a great impression on me that first year. Camp Hope became a home away from home for me. Every year after that I was excited to go and see my old friends and meet new friends.”

As Deanna grew older, she had the opportunity to give back through K2L’s C2C (Camper to Counselor) leadership program. As a volunteer, she mentored a first-time camper, remembering what it had felt like to arrive at camp herself.

“I was thinking, ‘I remember being you.’ I just wanted to make her feel welcome, and take on the role that Carolyn took on for me. I wanted to be like her big sister. I wanted her to have fun. I wanted her to be able to tell me any fears she had. I was always checking in with her.”

Around the time the C2C program began, K2L launched Interns4Tomorrow (I4T), providing older campers with college and career readiness skills. Deanna was part of one of the program’s first cohorts. Even as her involvement with K2L expanded beyond summer camp, familiar faces and friendships remained an important part of the experience.

“A lot of the people in the internship were people who had been going to camp as long as I had. I knew a lot of the girls because we had been in each other’s cabins.”

I4T also helped Deanna prepare for life beyond camp. Through her internship at Jackson Healthcare, she gained practical experience and confidence that would serve her well in future jobs.

“The internship really helped me when it came to interviewing for jobs and building a resume. I interned at Jackson Healthcare. It was my first time in the workforce, my coworkers were really nice, and it helped me to be confident. When I actually worked in an office later on, I didn’t feel out of place. I felt ready for it, and prepared because of the internship.”

After high school, Deanna enlisted in the Air Force in 2016, beginning a new chapter that took her from Hawaii to Germany. After eight years of active duty, she served for another year in the Air National Guard in Savannah, Georgia, before transitioning to IT work while finishing her bachelor’s degree.

Even then, her connection to Kidz2Leaders continued to make a difference. She attended Hope4Christmas that year, and then an alumni workshop which opened the door to her current job.

“I actually got that job because of a Kidz2Leaders alumni workshop I was invited to when I got back, where we made LinkedIn accounts.”

Deanna is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland. Today, she and her husband live in East Lake with their two children and their dogs. 

Looking back on her years at Camp Hope, Deanna describes an experience that went far beyond summer activities or learning new skills. It was a place where she felt safe, accepted, and connected to something bigger than herself.

“Camp opened so many doors for me. It strengthened my relationship with God, and was a safe space. At camp, I never felt judged. I never felt like an outcast. Camp was like a warm home where I could worship and be around people I love so much. It was like my family. Camp Hope really did a lot for me.”

We are grateful that Deanna is part of the Kidz2Leaders family, and even more grateful for the opportunity to have been part of her story. Her journey reminds us why we invest in long-term relationships with the children and families we serve. The care a child receives today can shape their future, opening doors and building connections that last well beyond their years at camp.

Last fall, Kamia waited after school for her dad to pick her up, but he never came…

Later, she learned he had been arrested.

Since then, everything has changed. Her mom has taken on extra jobs to care for Kamia and her siblings. When Kamia turned seven this spring, her dad wasn’t there to celebrate with her.

But even in the midst of a hard year, something unexpected happened.

Through Prison Fellowship’s ministry, Kamia’s dad heard about Camp Hope and passed the information along. Her family applied. And last week, a member of our team called them with the news that Kamia and her siblings have been accepted.

This summer, she’ll come to Camp Hope for the very first time, nervous, but excited. And her mom will finally be able to exhale, knowing they are not alone.

Camp Hope is more than a week away from home. It’s where kids begin to form life-long friendships, build resilience, and hear messages of Gospel hope that stay with them long after camp ends.

And it doesn’t stop there.

That one week is the entry point into years of support and community that continues alongside kids and their families for up to a decade. It’s the beginning of a journey that can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

This year, we are expanding Camp Hope—adding a third session and a new location in Alabama—so more children like Kamia can receive the support they need.

The cost to send one child to camp is $1,000. And thanks to a generous donor, $25,000 of donations will be matched dollar for dollar.

Would you consider sponsoring a camper this summer?

You can give at kidz2leaders.org/donate and include “camper sponsorship” in the memo line.

…Because for Kamia, and so many others, breaking the cycle of generational incarceration starts just with one week of camp.

Caroline Dobbs first heard about Kidz2Leaders from her college roommate. That summer, both she and her brother, Colton, served at Camp Hope. Caroline says, “After I experienced it, I knew this was something our whole family needed to do.”

The next summer, Joel and Judith Dobbs came to Camp Hope as cabin adults, along with four of their children. As they went through their days with their campers, they enjoyed crossing paths with one another, checking in, and cheering each other on. It had a surprising impact on their campers as well.

Judith shares, “The kids were definitely aware that our family was there together. It was meaningful for them to see us show up as a family.”

Brooklyn agrees, “Our campers loved knowing who my mom was, and my brother, and they felt connected to them. Our campers started cheering for one another’s cabins.”

When asked about their favorite camp memories, Joel recalls, “The greatest memory for me was when Cash and I were with our campers in the cabin in the evenings and they would listen intently as we read stories from the Bible. It was this thirty minute period when they were so calm and engaged and focused.”

Cash says, “They had so many questions, they couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in the story. At first, I had been so nervous to go and serve. But Caroline had told me that this was one week of uncertainty for me, to give these kids a week of stability, safety, and love. I kept telling myself that all week.”

Brooklyn adds, “And once we got there, we felt so well supported. I had this idea I was going to be there on my own, but it’s not like that at all. You always have other people around you, helping you.”

Another moment that stands out for all of them was when they returned home after camp was over. Joel shares, “We picked up take out and were all standing around in our kitchen. We were so exhausted, but I remember how at peace I felt and how happy I was that we got to experience that together. I felt so proud of my family.”

The Dobbs family will be back again this summer, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them on our volunteer team!

Ready to serve this summer? Sign up at camphopekidz.org/volunteer.

As we close out this year, we’re shining a spotlight on stories from our K2L community. This week we heard from Henrietta, whose daughter, Trinity, began attending Camp Hope in 2023!

Henrietta was scrolling through Facebook when an ad for Camp Hope appeared on her feed. She clicked on it, and everything she saw was an answer to prayer. She says, “My daughter had just been separated from her father due to incarceration. And I thought, this would be so beneficial for her!”

Since that first summer at camp, Henrietta and Trinity have participated in several family programs. “It’s helped me be a better parent. It’s strengthened my relationship and my bond with my daughter,” Henrietta shares. But what’s been most impactful are the relationships they’ve found within K2L. “They’re not just there for camp or the retreats, but showing up for us in small moments too. My daughter is loved and cherished here. It’s genuine and it’s remarkable. This program has changed our lives.”

Henrietta’s relationship with God has been a source of strength for her all her life, and something she’s shared with her daughter. Through Kidz2Leaders, Henrietta says, “I’ve experienced His closeness even more, and how He is shaping and molding me. At camp and the retreats, seeing my daughter learning and praising God… these are the things that she’ll remember when she grows up. Kidz2Leaders truly is the body of Christ, doing the work of God.”

When asked what she wants to share with our K2L community of donors and volunteers, Henrietta doesn’t hesitate, “You’re touching families’ lives. You’re making a difference for the whole family and it goes a long way. It’s been such a blessing for us.”

Henrietta’s experience sums up Kidz2Leaders’ values for Christ-centered, relational, and long-term partnership. We feel privileged to be a part of Henrietta and Trinity’s lives—walking together in the big and small moments. And we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community with you!

Would you consider supporting Kidz2Leaders through an end-of-year donation? Every dollar given serves families like Henrietta and Trinity, to open doors for Christian community and new opportunities.

View the 2025 Giving Catalogue

Make an Online Donation

Rick Stevens first heard about Kidz2Leaders during a season when he was praying about how to meaningfully invest his time and resources during his retirement. He knew he wanted to serve vulnerable children through a ministry with a proven impact. After hearing K2L staff share about the mission, “every box was checked.”

Still, Rick wanted to see the ministry firsthand. He visited Camp Hope, spending several days sitting in on meals, watching activities, and getting to know the campers and volunteers. “I walked away from that week knowing this was where I was going to get involved,” he says. “Looking back, I can see how God had been preparing my heart for this.”

Rick’s passion for vulnerable children didn’t appear overnight. He credits it to the example set by his parents, who modeled faith, integrity, and compassion. These values led Rick and his wife, Beth, became foster parents. Over a span of ten years, they cared for seventeen babies in their home.

“It opened our eyes to the brokenness in the world,” he reflects. “I knew I had to get involved with vulnerable kids, and that this was where God was asking me to give back.”

Over the years, Rick has served as a cabin leader at Camp Hope, volunteered at retreats and Hope4Christmas, and spent four years as a business coach with the intern program. Along the way, he formed lasting relationships with campers and families. He now serves as chair of the K2L board. He says,“We are blessed with incredible staff and leaders. It’s a real privilege to serve.”

Rick and Beth began giving to Kidz2Leaders as soon as they learned about the organization, and today it is their primary charitable investment. For them, generosity is not an afterthought—it is a long-established family value. They have tithed since they were married and planned intentionally to sustain giving through their retirement years.

Much of their support is given through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), which allows them to set aside charitable dollars during higher-income years and distribute them over time. “I recommend DAFs to anyone who has good income years,” Rick says. “It becomes a source of ongoing giving.”

They also plan to give future support through Qualified Charitable Distributions once they reach the required age. Rick adds, “Most of us in the U.S. are wealthy from a global perspective. Many of us have an amount we can give each month and not even miss it.”

Rick’s message to anyone considering supporting Kidz2Leaders is simple and heartfelt: “Does Kidz2Leaders line up with your heart’s mission of giving back? If you’re blessed, it’s to be a blessing to others.”

He also points to the ministry’s proven impact “Kidz2Leaders is breaking the cycle of incarceration. Families tell us over and over the difference it’s making. Kids are staying out of corrective programs and going to college. There’s a huge need—and real results.”

“Kidz2Leaders is a great place to give your dollars because you know they’re going somewhere that truly matters.”

View the 2025 Giving Catalogue

Make an Online Donation

As we prepare to close out the year, we’re shining a spotlight on stories from K2L donors, volunteers, and families…

Heather first heard about Kidz2Leaders during a dark time in her life. She shares, “My husband was in Cobb County jail and filled out a form with Angel Tree so our son, Drakken, could get a Christmas gift. They’re the ones who told us about Camp Hope. I was invited to an orientation meeting, but I almost didn’t go, because I was so scared…”

“I was in the throes of addiction then, struggling with my mental health, and I didn’t trust anyone. Camp Hope sounded too good to be true. I know it was a God thing—God gave me the courage and strength to step out of my house that day. As soon as I met the K2L staff, I just felt like everything was going to be okay.”

Since that first orientation meeting years ago, Heather and Drakken have participated in nearly every K2L program offering, from Camp Hope to seasonal retreats, Hope4Chrismas, and family outings to Braves games and the zoo! Heather has been a part of Bible studies with other parents and guardians, and Drakken completed the Interns4Tomorrow program this past year, culminating in a trip to New York City.

As a senior camper, Drakken had the opportunity to take on new levels of leadership at camp. “All the interns got to choose areas where we wanted to lead,” Drakken explains, “I hosted the games, and signed up to help lead worship.”

Heather chimes in, “The staff sent me videos. I was so proud watching him lead worship, he just looked like he was made to do that. Seeing him grow in his faith, his decision to be baptized—that’s what is first and foremost for me.”

When asked if they had a message to share with our community of K2L supporters, Heather doesn’t hesitate. “This is the best program,” she says. “When we first signed up for Camp Hope, I knew what camp prices were. I thought, ‘there’s no way someone out there is going to pay for my child to go to camp.’ But you’ve done it over and over again. This program is so needed. We have been so blessed.”

“If you’re considering donating, just know it’s worth it,” Drakken says. “Because people gave, I got to go to camp, where I had so much fun, and felt safe, and grew in my faith. It also set me on a path for my teen years, and I’m gaining life experience now that helps me for my future.”

View the 2025 Giving Catalogue

Make an Online Donation