Camp Hope sets off for week of fun and healing with Norfolk Sheriff’s Office
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Dozens of children from across Hampton Roads embarked on a weeklong journey to Camp Hope on Sunday, a summer camp organized by the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office for kids who have experienced domestic violence.
The program offers a safe, fun environment and access to counseling to help young participants heal from their trauma.
Lt. Juan Serrano, who oversees the sheriff’s Community Affairs Division, has been with the department for 13 years and is among the deputies accompanying the campers. “Today we start our first day of Camp Hope, which is a seven-day camp,” Serrano said.
The initiative aims to give children a break from challenging home environments, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities, build friendships, and work with a counselor during downtime.
“Sometimes kids just don’t have that outlet. Sometimes they don’t have that resource to help them out with what they’re going through,” Serrano said. “They grow up really fast, and unfortunately, that’s kind of the worst part—seeing a child have to grow up really fast because of situations they can’t control. So getting them to get back to being kids again, I think, is a huge opportunity for them.”
The sheriff’s office ensures the campers’ support extends beyond the weeklong program through its “Pathways” initiative, which fosters ongoing connections.
“All the kids will meet up again, and we’ll just kind of keep them in contact with each other so we can continue to build those strong relationships, not only with the staff but with the kids,” Serrano said.
To keep Camp Hope free for families, the sheriff’s office raises over $30,000 annually. This year’s funding is secured, allowing the campers to focus on making memories around the campfire. “I love to be part of those opportunities for kids to just be kids again and not have to worry about some of the situations they’re in, even if it’s only for a week,” Serrano said.
The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office encourages community support for Camp Hope and its year-round programs. For more information or to contribute, contact the sheriff’s office at (757) 664-4700.
