Chop Point, a non-profit organization serving children and families in Maine, has established a camp for poor children in Nicaragua. By example and word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ can give hope to children who otherwise have none.

Campo Alegría was founded in 1999, after Chop Point staff traveled to Nicaragua for a mission trip. After seeing how children literally live in the town dump, director Peter Willard became determined to bring hope to them. Donations were sought, land was purchased, and building began.

The camp now encompassed several bunk houses as well as a dining hall and kitchen, all with beautiful views of Lake Nicaragua.

Each February, high school students from Maine travel to Campo Alegría for three weeks. During that time, they take a bus to the town dump and fill it with children who’ve never experienced life outside the trash heaps. They take these children to the camp for several days of pure fun! It is a life-changing experience for everyone involved. As one high school junior remarked after returning to Maine, “I went to Nicaragua a boy, but came back a man.”

This blog was created to keep family and friends up-to-date on the daily happenings in Nicaragua this month, as the next group of students travels to Campo Alegría in just a few weeks. Please keep the entire team in your prayers!