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Hope Heals

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Hope Heals

Grades: 9-12
Dates: July 19-24,2026
Location: Hope Heals Camp, Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, AL
Cost: $660 + cost of transportation from the airport

FOCUS is inviting a small group of high school students to serve as volunteers during Week 5 of Hope Heals Camp. This structured and supervised experience invites students to grow in leadership, responsibility, and compassion while serving families affected by disability in a community shaped by faith.

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Hope Heals challenged me in ways I never expected, pulling me out of my comfort zone and into a community rooted in service, joy, and genuine connection. It is a place that embraces brokenness in all its forms, no matter how big or small. The people I met and the moments I experienced transformed my faith and perspective in ways I had never known before. The week felt like the closest thing I’ve ever experienced to heaven on earth. I’d encourage anyone to volunteer at Hope Heals. Not just to serve others, but for the lasting impact it will leave on you.”

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Hope Heals Details

Program Purpose
What Is Hope Heals?
Volunteer Responsibilities
Training & Preparation
AccommodationsPolicy
Application Process
Questions

The Hope Heals Volunteer Program is designed to provide students with:

  • A meaningful opportunity to live out their faith through service
  • Leadership development through teamwork and responsibility
  • Exposure to ministry rooted in dignity, joy, and hospitality
  • A supportive environment that encourages personal and spiritual growth

Students serve alongside experienced Hope Heals and FOCUS staff and are guided throughout the week.

Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities, inviting everyone into the hope of Christ within inter-ability communities.
Hope Heals Camp is a week-long summer experience offering rest, resources, and relationships to families affected by disabilities. While it is technically a service opportunity, many volunteers say it becomes one of the most memorable and transformative weeks of their lives.

Student volunteers will assist with a variety of age-appropriate and supervised tasks, creating an amazing, fun, and unique camp experience for families affected by disabilities including:

  • Supporting hospitality and guest services
  • Assisting with meals, setup, and cleanup
  • Helping with daily program logistics
  • Offering general assistance to families and staff as needed

Responsibilities vary by day and are clearly communicated.

All student volunteers will receive training and preparation before arriving at Camp, including:

  • Digital training resources
  • Required online training completion prior to arrival
  • Arrival one day before the campers for orientation, practical training, spiritual preparation, and team building

Hope Heals Camp takes place at Camp McDowell, a beautiful and accessible retreat center located in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest.

  • Volunteers stay in air-conditioned male or female cabins
  • Bunk beds with community bathrooms
  • Volunteers bring their own linens and towels

Students should fill out the interest form. Once approved a student will then submit a volunteer application with Hope Heals.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

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