The 24-foot trailer buzzed with anticipation, packed with sleeping bags, towels, backpacks, and essentials for a four-day camping trip designed for children of incarcerated parents. Late last month, it vanished from its parking spot in Anaheim, stirring vivid emotions among volunteers.
Elizabeth Vallejo, co-founder of Camp Agape California, emphasized the camp’s mission: supporting families impacted by incarceration. By providing a safe haven, the camp aims to foster healing, forgiveness, and personal growth, potentially steering these children away from the criminal justice system.
Research indicates that children with incarcerated parents face heightened risks of mental health challenges, antisocial behaviors, and even substance abuse. Vallejo believes the annual four-day camp, held in September in the San Bernardino Mountains, is critical in addressing these concerns.
You messed with the wrong ministry because you stole from God,Vallejo remembered telling herself, expressing the depth of the group’s disappointment when the trailer was stolen. The loss evoked profound memories and personal challenges she and her family had faced over the years.
Vallejo’s past experiences with family hardships, like her mother’s struggles to raise her sister’s children when their parents were unavailable, shaped her perspective. In 2017, while launching Camp Agape California, Vallejo faced relentless personal trials, including her daughter’s cancer diagnosis and her mother’s passing.
Despite these challenges, Vallejo found solace in the camp’s purpose. The initiative began with 110 children and minimal funding. Over time, the camp gradually acquired necessities like coffee makers, games, and camping gear. Today, videos on their website capture moments of joy as children arrive, escorted by volunteers.
This year, Camp Agape California anticipates welcoming over 200 children, illustrating significant growth. Operating under the nonprofit Breaking the Cycle, founded last year by Vallejo and her husband, the camp is supported by about 200 volunteers.
Vallejo observed that many former participants now return as volunteers, contributing to the camp’s success. Despite the trailer’s disappearance, she remains optimistic, asserting, Camp’s gonna happen.
The camp’s teachings of forgiveness were put into action when Vallejo and her husband opted to forgive those who stole from them. Determined to recover the lost items, they initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise $28,000. As of Friday, they have gathered $26,900 and have already replaced the trailer.
We walk by faith,
Vallejo reiterated to her husband, underpinning their commitment and resilience amid challenges. The couple remains hopeful, expecting divine intervention to continue supporting their mission.