Our Roots

Hope Valley was founded in 1988 by Doug and Marion Robinson with a heartfelt vision: to create a summer camp where children, regardless of their financial circumstances, could experience the joy, adventure, and personal growth that camp provides.

Recognizing that many families in Peterborough and the surrounding area could not afford traditional camp programs, the Robinsons established Hope Valley as a place where children could attend free of charge, removing financial barriers and ensuring that every child had the opportunity to build friendships, enjoy the outdoors, and hear the Good News of the Bible in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The first free camp program was launched in 1989, and from its humble beginnings, Hope Valley has remained faithful to its Christian foundation. Guided by biblical principles, the camp continues to provide a nurturing space where children can explore their faith, experience God’s love, and develop values that will guide them throughout their lives.

For over three decades, Hope Valley has been a beacon of hope, community, and transformation, offering generations of children an unforgettable summer experience—one that goes beyond fun and games to leave a lasting impact on their hearts and lives.

Our Message

At Hope Valley, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ—a message of hope, love, and salvation. We believe in God, who came to earth in human flesh as Jesus, who died for our sins, was buried yet was raised to life again, and ascended into Heaven, where He reigns today and is preparing to return.

Through His victory over sin and death, Jesus offers everlasting life to all who trust in Him. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

As His followers, we are called to live out His teachings, including His greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." At camp, we aim to reflect this love through our actions, words, and community, creating an environment where children can hear, experience, and respond to the Gospel in a natural and engaging way.

Our Mission

At Hope Valley, our mission is to:

  • Evangelize Children – Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ so that children can hear, understand, and respond to the Gospel.

  • Disciple Youth – Helping young people grow in faith and character, developing a personal relationship with Christ and equipping them with biblical truths.

  • Train Leaders – Providing mentorship, leadership opportunities, and hands-on ministry experience to raise up the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.

This mission has guided Hope Valley since 1989, ensuring that every child and young person who comes to camp encounters Christ and has the opportunity to grow in their faith.

We accomplish our mission through:

  • Creating a Christ-Centered Camp Experience – Every camp session is designed to be engaging, fun, and spiritually enriching, where biblical truths are woven into daily activities.

  • Building Strong Relationships – We foster a supportive and loving community, where children and youth can learn from Christian role models and mentors.

  • Providing Free Access to Camp – By removing financial barriers, we ensure that every child—regardless of background—can attend camp and hear the Gospel.

  • Encouraging Hands-On Leadership – Youth are given real opportunities to serve, whether through practical service, mentoring younger campers, or stepping into wider leadership roles.

  • Relying on Faith & Generosity – Our work is made possible through God’s provision and the generous support of donors and volunteers who share our ministry vision.