Hope Program
Building safer, more resilient summer camps.
A Collaborative Effort for Safer Camps
The Hope Program was created through a partnership between Texas Children’s Hospital, the Gulf 7 Pediatric Disaster Network, and the American Camp Association to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience among summer camps.
Following the devasting Central Texas floods, Texas Children’s Hospital established the Central Texas Hope Fund to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience among summer camps. As a nationally recognized leader in pediatric care, education, and disaster preparedness, Texas Children’s is committed to protecting children not only in hospital clinics, but also in the communities where they live, learn, and grow.
The Gulf 7 Pediatric Disaster Network (G7) is a multi-state, federally funded Pediatric Disaster Center of Excellence that supports hospitals, emergency management partners, and community organizations in building systems that protect children during emergencies and disasters. Through the Hope Program, G7 provides pediatric-focused disaster preparedness expertise, tools, and technical assistance to participating camps.
The American Camp Association (ACA) plays a critical role in outreach, communication, and professional development for camps. Through this partnership, participating camps benefit from shared learning opportunities, practical resources, and alignment with nationally recognized camp safety standards.
The Hope Program helps summer camps strengthen emergency preparedness and build safer, more resilient environments for children. Through the program, camps receive access to practical preparedness tools, training, technical assistance, and peer learning focused on hazards such as severe weather, flooding, medical emergencies, evacuation, reunification, communications, and security.
The program offers two pathways: a free Emergency Preparedness Learning Collaborative open to summer camps across the United States, and competitive Hope Grant funding for eligible Texas-based camps.
What is the Hope Program?
Participate in a 6-month structured learning collaborative (open to all U.S. camps)
Complete a formal threat and risk assessment
Develop an updated emergency preparedness plan
Engage with local emergency management and regional healthcare partners
Funding for eligible Texas-based camps
Eligibility for additional funding upon completion
Program Details
What You’ll Build
Preparedness & Continuity
Identify top hazards and preparedness gaps.
Develop or strengthen emergency plans.
Improve operational continuity.
Practice response processes through exercises and drills.
Partnerships & Resilience
Connect with emergency management, healthcare, public health and preparedness partners.
Learn from participating camps and shared examples.
Build knowledge, confidence and practical skills for safer responses.
Strengthen long-term preparedness for children and youth.
Choose your Participation Pathway
Important Dates
Next Steps
