A 24-foot trailer filled with essential supplies for Camp Agape California was stolen last month. The trailer contained sleeping bags, towels, backpacks, and other items crucial for their summer program aimed at children of incarcerated parents. The theft occurred in Anaheim, where a camp volunteer had parked it.
Elizabeth Vallejo co-founded Camp Agape California with her husband. The camp’s mission is to support families impacted by incarceration by providing a healing space for children. They aim to help these children avoid entering the criminal justice system.
Research shows that kids of incarcerated parents face mental health challenges, antisocial behavior risks, and higher chances of substance abuse. The camp held in September in the San Bernardino Mountains seeks to mitigate these risks.
The theft caused frustration among the camp team. Vallejo expressed her grief and described it as a personal loss, reminding her of her past hardships when her mother took in her sister’s children under challenging circumstances.
Since launching Camp Agape California in 2017, Vallejo faced several personal tests. Her daughter battled cancer, and she lost her mother the same year. Yet, she found solace in the camp’s purpose, longing for this type of support for her mother years ago.
Despite the initial hurdles, the camp started with 110 children and limited funds. Over time, they accumulated various resources, including camping equipment, games, and welcoming banners. Their nonprofit, Breaking the Cycle, was established last year, and the camp now expects over 200 children and enjoys support from approximately 200 volunteers.
Even after losing the trailer and its contents, Vallejo remains determined. The camp retains its children, buses, and volunteers, continuing to function. Forgiveness, a critical teaching of the camp, was applied as Vallejo and her husband forgave the trailer thieves.
To recover from the theft, they launched a GoFundMe campaign, targeting $28,000. As of Friday, they collected $26,900 and have replaced the trailer. Vallejo and her husband hold onto faith, trusting that future support will follow. Camp Agape California persists in its mission to make a difference in children’s lives.