About Camp HOPE

Camp HOPE began as a dream. Today, this dream has become a reality, as children from violent and abusive homes experience what it means to be truly safe and free. The Camp HOPE experience provides turning-point opportunities where at-risk, abused, and neglected children can find HOPE, healing, and a chance to begin a new life.

Through interaction with trained, therapeutic and recreational counselors, children can experience the chance to explore issues such as trust and courage, develop positive relationships, gain a higher sense of self-worth, acquire new skills, and learn core values in a safe environment surrounded by the wonders of nature.

Camp HOPE offers four weeks of camping each summer. Campers enjoy a four-night, five-day authentic teepee-style camping experience overlooking Lake Sutherland.

We invite kids from all areas of San Diego County. And agencies such as the San Diego Family Justice Center, Friends and Family Community Connection, the Domestic Violence Independence Program, ECS, and Children’s Hospital refer children to Camp HOPE.

The continued vision of Camp HOPE includes construction of a main lodge and six cabins that will accommodate about 100 campers over 12.5 acres in the mountains of Eastern San Diego County. Camp Hope is raising funds for the construction of the facilities so that families can participate annually, free of charge. Please see a list of those who are making our dreams become a reality.

Thank you for supporting Camp HOPE! Together, we can continue to heal the hearts of our future!

Mickey Stone, Camp Hope executive director, has worked in camping for more than twenty years. She brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to Camp HOPE with a bachelor's degree in behavioral science, numerous leadership positions with the American Camp Association, and a love of people and camp that is contagious. Thousands of campers have benefited positively from Mickey's inspiring leadership.