CAMP HOPE RICHMOND 2025 FAQ
This is not your average mission trip; it will be an adventure and hard work. You’ll get to experience new things, see with a new perspective, and to love and live with the most amazing kids living in the communities we work with in Richmond, Virginia.
Be prepared to be challenged, no one sits on the side at Camp Hope. We believe in an ALL IN attitude no matter what the task might be. You will likely be pushed a little (or a lot) outside of your comfort zone. We do this on purpose, we want you to get the most out of your experience and learn to live in the moment and be present.
TRIP INFO AND FAQ’S
When is Camp Hope RVA 2025?
Camp Hope RVA 2025 dates are August 4-8. Staff will arrive on the 3rd at 2pm for training and team building.
What are the important dates I need to consider for Camp Hope RVA?
January 1, 2025 - staff application is live
August 3, 3pm - MANDATORY staff training
August 4-8 - Camp Hope Richmond 2024
Where is Camp Hope RVA 2025?
We are so excited to announce that we will be holding Camp Hope at Camp Hanover for rising 2nd-6th graders (www.camphanover.org). We have spent quality time with their leadership team, and are so thrilled about the shared vision for loving and serving kids, and their families. The facilities are amazing, and suit Camp Hope so well. Camp Hanover is about 45 minutes from downtown Richmond.
How old do you have to be to serve on staff at Camp Hope?
Camp Hope started as a way for families to serve together. Camp Hope staff includes both families and individuals. Our typical individual staff starts at age 15 and goes on up (last year we had team members that were 70+). Our multi-generational team is one of our favorite things about camp. If families come to serve together, they can bring their children 8 and older. Staff kids 8-12 serve in a special capacity at camp – loving the campers who are having a hard time feeling connected.
What Roles are there at camp?
The main role at camp is camp counselor! This is the single most important job at camp. It is the front lines - relationship building, radically loving, life changing kind of stuff. There are three levels of counselor:
SIT (Servant leader In Training) – Typically rising 9th & 10th grader (or high school aged first time staff member). Must show a deep desire to be growing in their faith, and have a desire to help others do the same.
Junior Counselors – Typically rising 11 & 12th grader, through college. Must be able to show a deep desire to grow in their faith and must be actively doing it (ie, engaged in a church community and/or small group Bible study).
Senior Counselors – Typically high level college student and adult. Senior counselors must be spiritually mature, able to command the respect of the cabin and younger staff, As cabin leader, balance discipline and love. Must love the age group we serve, and be passionate about them experiencing the love of Jesus.
Additionally, there are also band members (who are also often counselors), camp photographer, videographer, camp nurses, operations & logistics team, craft coordinator, a speaker, a fishing team, and camp mom & dads.
How much does it cost to attend camp?
For our campers, Camp Hope is free. For our staff, this is a local mission trip. We simply ask that each staff member cover the cost of them being at camp. Camp Hope Richmond cost for 2024 staff is $250. If you need some fundraising ideas, please let us know.
Who leads Camp Hope Richmond?
The 2025 Camp Co-Directors will be Mike Leber & Sam Musabyimana
What are the physical/health requirements to being on staff?
Camp Hope is a physical camp. We are moving all day long. Our camp counselors need to in reasonable physical shape. We do require every team member to also 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.
What will we be doing?
You are at camp! Your “job” is to be involved with your campers - making crafts, swimming, playing gaga ball, soccer, painting nails, playing games, riding bikes and being silly - we are in the relationship building business. 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?
We’ll provide a suggested packing once the team has been established. Think outside and layers for clothing. Swimsuit, closed toe shoes, rain jacket, medication, linens, your Bible and journal are items you will want to include – but the most important thing is a GREAT attitude!
When do I get to meet the team?
ALL staff are required to report to camp, Saturday, August 3rd @ 2pm NO EXCEPTIONS! We will spend time team building, trauma training, exploring our new camp facilities, worshipping, and having fun.
What does a day at camp look like?
Being on staff means we’re the first ones up because daily staff meeting, team devotion, and daily announcements happen prior to campers waking up. We eat all meals together, family style, as one big family. Throughout the day you and your cabin will be rotating through activities together - this includes dancing, crafts, swimming, high ropes and group games. At camp we have two daily BIG MEETINGS where we gather as a camp to worship and hear a message. Just like being the first to wake up, you are also the last one to sleep. Once your cabin is asleep you have the option to crash too, or hang out with other staff for a little while, or to join late night worship. The days are long, but we still never want them to end!