The theft of a 24-foot trailer, filled with essential gear for a free, four-day summer camp, could have halted plans for those children in need. The trailer, meant for the children of incarcerated parents, held sleeping bags, towels, backpacks, and more. It was stored by a volunteer in Anaheim when it vanished late last month.
Elizabeth Vallejo, the co-founder of Camp Agape California along with her husband, remains steadfast in her mission. The camp is part of a broader objective aimed at supporting families affected by incarceration. By offering a space for healing, forgiveness, and positive growth, the camp seeks to deter children from falling into the criminal justice cycle.
Research highlights the heightened risks these children face. They often struggle with mental health challenges, develop antisocial behaviors, and are more prone to substance abuse. Their risks of entering the justice system are also higher. The camp, held in September in the San Bernardino Mountains, serves to mitigate these issues.
When the trailer was taken, the community experienced collective frustration and anger. Vallejo went through the five stages of grief. Initially in shock, she soon found herself grappling with anger.
Reflecting on her losses, she recalled her mother raising her nieces and nephews after her sister’s death at age 21, while their father was incarcerated. This experience illuminated the burdens her mother faced, which inspired Vallejo to create Camp Agape.
Founded in 2017, the camp was born during a trying year for Vallejo. Her daughter faced a cancer diagnosis, her mother passed away, yet Vallejo pressed on, launching the camp with 110 children and limited funding. Gradually, resources grew with contributions such as coffee makers, games, and welcoming banners.
Now, the camp anticipates over 200 children, highlighting its ongoing expansion. Operating under Breaking the Cycle, a nonprofit established last year, the camp boasts roughly 200 volunteers. Vallejo notes that many campers return as volunteers after aging out. “It takes an army to make the camp happen,” she stated.
The theft of the trailer and contents did not deter their spirit. Vallejo, her spouse, and the team remain determined. “We still have the camp, we have the children, we have buses and volunteers,” she affirmed. “Camp’s gonna happen.”
Forgiveness, a camp lesson, was personally enacted as they forgave those who stole the trailer. To replace the losses, they turned to GoFundMe to raise $28,000. As of Friday, they had amassed $26,900. The couple has already replaced the stolen trailer.
Vallejo continues to embrace her faith, telling her husband, “We walk by faith.”
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