This active partnership between caring Christians and children in desperate need gives you a direct link to them. This program partners us together as we work together to make a difference in not just the life of the sponsored child, but their entire family. Together we present answers to life's problems with direct Christian involvement.
But it will not happen without you.
Will you help one child? That's the key question.
The Curb To Camp program allows you to bring enormous benefit to the life of one special child.
$20 (US) each month provides one session of camp for your child, Discipleship Follow-up, and food and clothing as we see the need. And because we visit the child's home we know their needs immediately. Your gift goes directly to meeting the needs of the heart, mind, and soul of your sponsored child on a consistent basis.
Most importantly, your sponsorship provides this one precious child with the love of a caring Christian. Your financial gift is only a part of the involvement.
Curb To Camp is a rare opportunity for you to continually demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ through your prayers and encouragement. With letters and gifts at Christmas and birthdays, you can show your child there is someone outside the ghetto who cares about their life. You can be as involved in their life as you choose.
This makes a bold statement of hope to a child; something they can hold onto. In fact, though the age limit for Curb To Camp is 15 years old, sponsors stay in touch with their child through teen years and beyond.
How does the sponsorship program affect the life of a needy child and their family?
Your sponsorship commitment to an inner-city child provides a boy or girl with a Christian relationship outside his immediate
environment. This provides prayer and encouragement through the uncertainty of inner-city life. As these relationships grow and deepen, we have seen entire families change for the better.
Who decides what child goes on sponsorship?
Our mentors (either staff members of volunteer workers) decide which children should be sponsored. They are the ones who personally make the home visits to follow up with the children and their families. Only those who are faithful and needy are put on sponsorships.
What percentage of children who go to Camp Hope are sponsored?
All kids who come to Camp Hope are subsidized. Currently, only a small percentage is sponsored year-round through through our Curb-to-Camp program.
How long does the sponsorship relationship last?
The age of sponsored children ranges from 7 to 12. Some sponsors support a child for a year or two, while others may support a child for many years. Our prayer is that the relationship will continue throughout high-school and college.
What happens if a sponsored child stops coming to Camp Hope?
This does happen. Kids are often moved around from one apartment to another in the inner city because of the poor conditions due to the apartments, abuse, or family problems. We try to locate them and reassign them to the mentor for their area. Some kids move to different states in hopes of better living conditions. A few are lost due to unfaithfulness. In each of these cases, we inform the sponsor and give you the opportunity to sponsor another child. The need is always great and never-ending.
What happens to the child when a sponsor discontinues support of sponsorship?
When a child loses his/her sponsor, we try
to reassign the child to a new sponsor as quickly as possible.
Can I write or send things to my child?
Yes! We encourage you to be in contact with your child as much as your time and resources will allow. We find this to be a power tool that helps open doors that would otherwise be closed to us. You can send them your picture and tell them about yourself. A card, letter, or a care package is a great way of meeting their needs and ministering to them, and it goes a long way. For mailing and shipping information, click here.
What does my child's letter seem short and not well written?
Notes that come to you poorly written or quite brief may be due in part to the overcrowded and poor educational system. We've found that even twelve-year-olds here are writing on a first grade level. We suggest that you
ask them two or three specific questions in your letter to them. That way, they can answer more clearly. This will help you learn more about your sponsored child and his or her family.
Why can't my child write in their own own handwriting?
These children often have poor communication skills; some of the kids are
embarrassed to write. They may ask their mentor or someone in their home to write the letters for them; We do encourage them to write you more in their own handwriting or even draw you a picture.
Can I find out who my child's mentor is?
Yes! The mentors are the ones who visit your child's home, so they know the most about the kids and their needs. The can be contacted through the Curb-to-Camp office. Also, they can definitely use your prayers.
Does everything I send to my child go directly to them?
Yes! The mentor is given instructions to make sure the packages, letter and cards are given directly to the child and not anyone else. There may be a few exceptions where a parent is entrusted to pass along items to the child.
Does my child receive my support in cash?
No. We have
learned that giving cash directly to the child or their parent is not the best way to help. Sadly, sometimes that money might just be the means to finance the next drug fix.
How is my sponsorship invested?
Your support is used to underwrite our Curb-to-Camp visitation, mentoring and camping program.
How much is a monthly commitment and should I send it at a specific time?
Your monthly commitment is only $20.00 per month. There is no set time of the month to send it in. In fact, some sponsors like to pay in half-year or entire-year increments. Every time you make a donation uoi receive a receipt for that specific amount.
Can I send extra cash?
Yes, of course. Every bit of support we receive furthers the spread of the gospel.
What happens when a sponsor misses their monthly support commitment?
We understand that circumstances arise that make it difficult to keep a monthly commitment. Please realize that your
involvement with sponsorship is a very vital commitment to the children. It makes a profound difference in their lives. We need you to do your part so we can do ours. However, you will not be billed. After several months, we will call you so that we both have a clear understanding of the situation.
Do the children know who their sponsors are?
Yes. Most of them understand that there is someone helping them and loves them. They love hearing from you directly through the Curb-to-Camp mentor. We encourage you to write them.
What are some other ways I can support my child directly during the year?
There are many ways to show a child your care. For their birthday, a card or gift goes a long way. Many of the kids do not have adequate school supplies, so in August gifts of pens, paper, and calculators are welcome. Naturally during the holidays there a re a number of ways to bless your child's family with a complete Thanksgiving dinner. And what child
doesn't like to open a Christmas present? You can provide a special gift just for them.
Can I visit my child at camp?
Yes, sponsors may visit their child at camp. We are also extending the opportunity to consider being a camp volunteer for that
session or longer. Please contact us for more details.
Can I visit my child?
Yes! We encourage sponsors to come and see their child and the ministry of Curb-to-Camp in action! It is a life-changing experience to meet your child and their family and see the urgency of our ministry. Again, please call us at Camp Hope well in advance of your visit and let us know when you plan to visit your child.
Can my sponsored child visit me?
Yes, sponsored children can visit their sponsor. We've seen this to be a great experience for both sponsor and child. But before this happens, we must be able to determine the depth of the relationship between you and your child; travel is stressful for inner-city kids and we also need to know quite a few months in advance. We invite you to call Camp Hope for more details.
What is the best way to contact the Curb-to-Camp program at Camp Hope?
Our phone number is: (860) 567-1525
Our E-Mail is: CampHope1@aol.com
Our address is: P.O. Box 1622 Litchfield, CT 06759
NOTE: If you are sending any packages through Fed-Ex or UPS, or another non-U.S. mail carrier, please send them to:
Your Child's Name and Number
c/o Camp Hope Curb-to-Camp
83 Lenox Hill Rd.
Litchfield, CT 06759
