The Hope Initiative - Costa Rica
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."
  - Desmond Tutu - 

Since 2012, Gracia Missions has sponsored and run the Hope Project, in partnership with Camp Roblealto in Costa Rica. This is a three-day camp, with kids and teenagers living in extreme poverty and high-risk social conditions. They come from different communities, but the stories and needs are the same. Since the start, we have brought over 2,000 kids and teenagers to Camp Roblealto.

In 2015, we realized the need for follow-up after the Hope Project Camps. How can our campers return to their community and reality, after being in a very different context and learning about God’s eternal promise? How can they apply and integrate this into their daily reality of abuse, violence, hunger and desperation? We became aware of deeper emotional and psychological needs.

In the fall of 2016, we partnered with the community of Guarari, Heredia to continue the work of the Hope Project and develop a deeper connection with the community. Guarari is the largest slum in Costa Rica. Our team of psychologists and camp leaders undertook and completed a process that will have eternal impact. In December 2017, we finished the project with your generous help. To the right is the story of the Hope Initiative in video. We created a Documentary Version and a shorter Promotional Version of the video. 

We thank you for your faithfulness and support during this 1 ½ year process, full of life-change, ups-and-downs and God’s visible hand throughout.

Below are the four phases of the Hope Initiative:

  • Phase 1 – Community Investigation: The goal was to complete a process of community investigation, in order to determine the needs of the community, existing and potential risks, social statistics such as prevalence of abuse and violence, population demographic and mental health situation among children, teenagers and within families. As well, to identify, together with community partners, the kids and teenagers who will participate in the three-day Hope Project Camp. This process was the longest, most challenging and in depth. In began in January 2016 and concluded in May 2017.
 
  • Phase 2 – Hope Project Camp: The second phase involves The Hope Project Camp at Camp Roblealto, in the mountains of Costa Rica. Through this camp we communicate God’s eternal hope and love, and that he will take care of their hearts. Through our team of specially trained camping leaders, we teach and show examples of integrity, core values and love. We had two camps, one with kids ages 7 - 12, and another with teenagers ages 13 - 17 in February 2017. 
 
  • Phase 3 – Camp Follow-up: Our team went to the community and through a series of recreation and activities, work to reinforce the experiences and learning during the Hope Project camp. The purpose is to assist each participant to make the transition from the experience at camp, to the reality of their personal lives. This process was completed in the months of March and April 2017.
 
  • Phase 4 - Mental-Health Services and Counseling: Our assembled team of psychologists and mental health professionals worked within the community, with those identified as “in need", providing mental health and counseling services, workshops and day-activities at Camp Roblealto. This phase includes children, teenagers and family units. The team worked with community leaders as well, teaching and providing training and tools to effectively work within the community where they serve.  

Hope Initiative - Videos 2018

* Click on the Video to start. Click on the small square at the bottom-right of the video screen to enlarge. If the video doesn't stream corrrectly, you can download and watch on your computer.

Full Documentary Video

Short Version - Promotional