RISE and Camp HOPE America wrap up another successful summer camp
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — RISE is proud to have partnered with Camp HOPE for the third year, sending 12 local children to participate in a week-long camp at Lopez Lake.
Camp HOPE America, a program of Alliance for HOPE International, exists to instill hope in and change the destinies of children who have been exposed to domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Campers participate in numerous activities including, zip lining, ropes courses, water tubing, arts and crafts, swimming, and fishing. Camp HOPE also teaches campers to find hope and “believe in themselves, in others, and in their dreams.” Campers are reminded daily that they are safe, seen, encouraged, and loved. Camp HOPE America partners with the San Luis Obispo County Parks Department to host the camping program in San Luis Obispo County.
“Camp HOPE was a refreshing and inspiring week of camping, healing, learning, and believing,” said Brandon Covarrubias, Education Coordinator. “There was an aura of purpose and hope that inspired each and every camper on a daily basis. Each night, campers were reminded that their past does not define their future and that they are capable and supported in achieving their dreams. The kids and I had an awesome experience and we all look forward to next year’s camp.” Casey Gwinn, the founder of Camp HOPE America, praised Brandon and the whole team at RISE: “RISE is so wisely investing time and money in helping children deal with the rage and pain of growing up with violence and abuse in their families. Their work will pay dividends for generations in the lives of many children.”
RISE—a non-profit serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault— sponsors 12 children, ages 7-11, to attend Camp HOPE every summer and will be recruiting campers and counselors for 2018 early next year. RISE wishes to thank the Soroptimist Club of San Luis Obispo and the Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande for their sponsorship of this wonderful program. For more information on Camp HOPE, please email contact@RISEslo.org or visit camphopeamerica.org.
ABOUT RISE: RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (formerly SARP Center and North County Women’s Shelter) whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families, and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing, and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour support line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two emergency shelters, individual and group counseling, and prevention education.