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.
