Little Giants Walk Among Us: Centro para Familias Hispanas Hosts Annual Youth Summer Camp
This summer, Centro Para Familias Hispanas (CpFH) proudly led another joyous week of their popular children’s summer camp, Pequeños Gigantes, or Little Giants in English. Hosted at St. Raphael Catholic School and supported by the dedicated volunteers and teachers from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, almost 60 children spent a week in July exploring creativity, teamwork, and faith‑centered values through lively class rotations and energetic games.
The classes ranged from music, dance, arts and crafts, reading, and Faith in Action. Arts and crafts was a popular activity where campers created fleece tie blankets, a type of no‑sew blankets, out of vibrant fabric to donate to neighbors in need. Each camper got to choose their fabric print, ranging from tie dye to pink kitty cat prints, and experience the pride of creating something simple yet useful. In addition to learning an easily recreated craft, the campers also learned that joy only grows when we give it away. This blend of fun, service, and spiritual formation reflects the Catholic Charities vision to empower our communities to create a better future.
Program Director Maty Ferrer-Hoppmann shared that, “The camp’s schedule is created intentionally. It not only just entertains the kids and gives them a great time, but the curriculum also works internally to teach the children about things that are good for them–how to stand up to bullying, how to be safe, how to help others, or how to serve others.”
“A major highlight of this year’s camp was a new partnership with Vision To Learn, a family first nonprofit dedicated to providing no-cost eye care to children in low-income communities. Every camper whose parents requested it received a vision screening, eye exam, and glasses, if necessary, through the Vision To Learn’s mobile clinic. If test results indicate a potential vision issue beyond glasses, the Vision team attempts to connect the children’s families to local eye doctors with accessible insurance options. Vision to Learn and CpFH have more in common than meets the eye–they both remove barriers to learning and ensure children can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. While the screenings were simple and friendly, they carried deep impact, reinforcing CpFH’s commitment to ensuring that no one gets left behind.”
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Pequeños Gigantes was the leadership team itself. More than a handful of the teenage counselors were once campers themselves, returning as mentors to guide the next generation. Their presence embodied the heart of CpFH’s purpose, to empower families and connect them with community resources, and one of the most powerful ways to do is to start with the next generation. CpFH’s camp is a key steppingstone to creating a community where people can grow, return, and lift others up. As the week concluded, campers showcased their newly learned skills for their supportive families and enthusiastic counselors at the closing ceremony. This special event was full of cheer, anxious excitement, and impact as the Little Giants took the stage and transformed it into something special. Pequeños Gigantes is more than just another summer camp, it is a growing circle of faith, service, and opportunity that continues to expand year after year.
“I’m very proud of Pequeños Gigantes, and the partnership we have with St Francis of Assisi and with St. Raphel Catholic Church because with them we are able to make this beautiful summer camp happen every year,” Ferrer-Hoppman said.
