CAMP HOPE LATVIA 2025 INFO & FAQ’S
What are the dates?
The dates for Camp Hope Latvia 2025 are June 22st - July 6th.
Where is camp located?
Camp Hope has partnered with an AMAZING family run camp, Silmači. Silmači is about 20 minutes from Smiltene, located in northeast Latvia about 132km from Riga.
How old do you have to be to be a part of the Camp Hope team?
Camp Hope started as a way for families to do mission trips together. Our youngest team member has been 8 and our oldest 77 (but don’t let that limit you)!
How many people go on the trip?
We will take a team from the USA, typically between 25-30 people, and we will join together with the most amazing staff team in Latvia.
What roles are there at camp?
In Latvia, the main role on our team is as SUPPORT STAFF. We will each have a special assignment for some of the background work that makes camp run. After that task is completed we also serve as one of the group leaders to help lead a group of 6-10 Latvian youth/kids in discussions, games, activities, and more. We also have band members, camp photographer, videographer, camp nurse, operations & logistics team, activity coordinator, craft coordinator, a speaker, and camp mom & dads.
How much does it cost to be a part of the team?
The cost of Camp Hope Latvia 2025 is $2,600. This includes airfare, accommodations, insurance, luggage fees, meals, ground transportation, and camp fees. Some meals (Camp Hope covers 2 dinners, and breakfast is included with our accommodations) and activities in Riga after camp are not included in this price.
Who leads the trips?
Camp Directors will be Tabita Asnevica and Amy Foley.
Do I need vaccinations?
We do require every team member to fill out a health form. Even though we don’t expect it, we want to always be prepared to offer you the best care if you need medical assistance or experience a medical emergency. As far as vaccines, the CDC recommends your routine vaccinations and Hepatitis A.
Where will we go?
We will fly into Riga, the capital city of Latvia and take a two-hour bus ride to our campsite, Silmači. At the end of camp we will debrief, celebrate our time in Latvia, and spend a couple of days in the capital, Riga.
What will we be doing?
You’re at camp! Your “job” is to be involved with campers and mainly serving as a support role at camp pulling together all of the details and also making crafts, swimming in the cold lake, playing gaga ball, participating in “big games” and “night games”, discussing the messages, singing, dancing, and being silly - we’re in the relationship building business. At Camp Hope we call participating and interacting with campers at all times and in all circumstances being “All In”. As we intentionally invest time, we get the great privilege of becoming friends, and then the added benefit of loving and encouraging them. You will also help the campers follow our 3 main rules:
No hurts
Stick together
Have fun.
What do I need to pack?
The weather in Latvia varies day to day and hour to hour. Plan for sunny and warm (shirts and a t-shirt) one day and rainy and cold (jeans, sweatshirt, rain jacket) the next. Pack a pair of old tennis shoes (for running around with your campers) and a bathing suit for jumping in the lake (even when its cold and rainy). There will be a more detailed list provided in the team meetings.
When do I get to meet the team I’m traveling with?
Before we leave for camp we have several required team meetings for information, planning, and team-building. We prefer to have the team meet in person, but that’s not always possible. Web access for meetings is available via Zoom.
IMPORTANT dates & deadlines:
September 1 - Applications go live!
October 6 - Interest Meeting
January 19 - Team Meeting #1
March 23 - Team Meeting #2
May 4 - Team Meeting #3
May 18 - Team Building Event
June 22 - Depart as a team at 10am heading to Dulles International Airport for our 6:10pm departure.
What does a day at camp look like?
A day in Latvia starts with our team meeting which includes logistics, announcements, and devotions, before the kids get up. Following our meeting the day kicks into high gear. We eat breakfast all together before heading to out morning worship meeting. This is followed by discussion time and then sports tournaments or free recreation time. After lunch, groups rotate through crafts, swimming, and dance/music. We have our big game in the afternoon which might include relays, capture the flag, or “Water Day”. We have another big meeting for worship followed by discussion time. In Latvia, the campers invite a special guest over to their cabin for “Tea Time” before getting ready for bed. Once your cabin is asleep you have the option to pass out, hang with the team, have a snack, play a game, or enjoy late night worship.