Guilford County's Camp HOPE offers healing for children impacted by violence

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — The Guilford County Family Justice Center is once again hosting its annual Camp HOPE, an overnight camp designed to provide a safe haven and mentorship for children affected by violence and abuse. This year, 60 campers are participating in activities that foster valuable lessons and lifelong relationships.

"Often times, when you experience violence and abuse as a young person, you feel isolated and alone," said Catherine Johnson, Director of the Family Justice Center. "This camp really creates that community and sense of connectivity, helps kids realize they are not alone, that they have others that have similar experiences as them."

Camp HOPE, supported by volunteers, offers activities such as horseback riding and crossbow shooting, which inspire team-building and personal growth. "My favorite thing has to be, probably the crossbow," said one camper.

Johnson highlighted the camp's impact over the years, noting, "One of the things that I love most about 'nine years of camp' is that we have some people here volunteering with us who started as campers nine years ago and have watched them grow and mature into really successful and thriving adults, and that’s what we want for all of Guilford County, young, thriving adults."

The program is free of cost, funded through community partners and donors. Campers are referred by partner agencies, law enforcement, social workers, and sometimes by mothers seeking help at the Family Justice Center.

The initiative aims to empower every camper with the potential to break the cycle of violence.