Jose 'JJ' Balderas
Camp Hope will continue throughout July, providing healthy meals and life-skills education to children and families in neighborhoods across Parker County.
Carrie Jackson, director of Career and Adult Learning at the Parker County Center of Hope, said the program is often described as a “mobile vacation Bible school” as it operates directly within neighborhoods.
“Throughout the summer, children participate in Bible lessons, games, crafts, life-skills activities and healthy meal preparation,” she said.
While Camp Hope teaches biblical principles, Jackson said the early evening program is also designed to provide mentorship and encourage children to make healthy choices in an effort to strengthen families long after the camp ends.
“The program is designed to impact children and families both immediately and long term by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” she said. “Many of the children we serve face challenges that can limit their access to healthy food, positive role models or opportunities to learn essential life skills.”
In addition to camp activities, participants receive free bags of groceries to help provide meals for their families during the summer months.
In partnership with Cook Children’s and Serenity Impact, campers will also participate in hands-on microgreen gardening experiences that encourage healthy lifestyles and learn practical skills they can use at home.
“By teaching children how to make healthy choices, prepare nutritious meals and learn from the character traits demonstrated by people in the Bible, Camp Hope helps build confidence, responsibility and resilience,” Jackson said.
Unlike many summer camp programs, Jackson said Camp Hope meets the families in their communities to eliminate the biggest barrier families face — transportation.
“Some parents may not be able to afford the extra cost of gas, while others have work schedules that make it difficult to get their children to and from traditional camp or vacation Bible school,” Jackson said.
“By meeting children where they live, Camp Hope makes participation more accessible for families who might otherwise be unable to attend,” she said.
For one to two hours a day, the camp activates community engagement by allowing children to attend alongside friends and neighbors they are familiar with. Parents also have opportunities to connect with local churches that serve as host sites, volunteers and other families, creating relationships that often continue beyond the summer.
Jackson said that many former campers return to serve as volunteers as she recalled a group of teenage girls who later became volunteers.
“Their enthusiasm spoke volumes about the positive impact Camp Hope had on them growing up,” she said.
“What was once a place where they learned, grew and built relationships had become an opportunity for them to pour into the next generation of campers. Watching former campers return as volunteers is a powerful reminder that the seeds planted through Camp Hope can continue to grow for years,” Jackson said.
Jackson said the Parker County Center Hope is grateful for the willingness of churches and community organizations to volunteer their resources and spaces for Camp Hope.
“We are incredibly grateful for the churches and organizations that partner with us each year to serve local children and families,” she said.
As Camp Hope continues to grow, Jackson said the Center of Hope aspires to partner with additional churches and community organizations to expand into more neighborhoods, particularly in the Springtown area.
“Camp Hope is not just about the activities that happen during a few hours each day — it’s about building relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and reminding families that they are part of a community that cares about them and wants to see them succeed,” Jackson said.
To find more information about Camp Hope’s July 2026 schedule, visit centerofhopetx.com/camp-hope/.
