Fort Hope (Taco Camp)

This day camp is an amazing place! The kids really enjoy getting away out into nature and having fun with all the activities. The Loomis family really has a heart for kids.

Fort Hope will forever hold a dear place in our hearts. Like many other families, we were deeply effected by the pandemic. Our world was turned upside down during that time because in addition to the pandemic, we had to put down our dog, we lost a family member, and my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. Thankfully he has survived and is 100% healthy and stable, but that time in our family's history left a deep wound. Our two kids ages 7 and 10 now suffer from anxiety, have trouble connecting with new peers and struggle to connect with their dad. Fort Hope gave us a gift. It gave us the gift of time. Time to relax, time to connect, time to explore, time for new family adventures, time to reflect and even time to freely express our thoughts and feelings. The staff at Fort Hope are some of the most generous, kind, patient, and loving people we've ever met. Our children are the youngest to date to participate in the Unplugged Retreat, and with each challenge they faced, they were met with support and encouragement. Donovan has a special quality about him. When he takes you on a hike, you learn to slow down and look around and enjoy your surroundings, rather than rush sweat-faced to the top. There were little treasures along each hike for our kids to discover and explore. They got to see bones, rocks, interesting plants, funnel spiders, quail and deer, so many deer. We appreciated how he wove in our faith and connected what we were learning about with God, the Creator. What an adventure we had with Mr. and Mrs. Loomis at the ghost town. This was a real highlight for us all especially since the Loomises were dressed up like it was 1850. That definitely added to the experience. We chased ducks, panned for gold, made corn husk dolls and even learned how to shoot a bow and arrow. Our daughter loved making the dolls, and our son picked up archery right away. But the top of everyone's list was fishing. Almost all of us caught a fish. Our daughter was the only one that didn't reel in a big one, but she still said it was her favorite part of the entire retreat. The house was spacious, clean and outfitted with all the necessary supplies to cook meals. We brought in our own snacks, breakfasts and lunches, Donovan took care of the dinners, and he even made sure to follow our dietary restrictions. Taco night was especially fun but also challenging since it was an interactive dinner where the kids helped to make salsa. It definitely stretched our son beyond his comfort level. He struggles with fine motor skills, and was learning to take direction on how to safely cut veggies. He definitely got frustrated at times, but it showed him and us that he is more capable than he knows. Since we've returned home he's been helping out in the kitchen a little. And the mango salsa was such a hit that we've already made it again at home. On the last day of the retreat, we took a moment to speak with Donovan. It was a really valuable and much needed moment for my husband and I. There were tears, good tears, the kind that help release pent up emotions. And we were able to get some great feedback from Donovan on how to move forward and continue to connect as a couple and as a family. Overall, we feel like the Unplugged Retreat came at just the right time for our family. Being able to spend time together and help our kids realize technology and screens aren't needed in order to have fun and that family activities together are just as rewarding, if not more. Thank you Fort Hope and the Loomis Family, you have changed our lives.

It was such a fun experience for the kids. So many activities and it's an overall cute old western themed place. The staff was kind, the activities were engaging, and the environment was very welcoming.

Great place for kids and parents!

A wonderful experience for our son, looking forward to next year. Thank you