Business Details
Trusted Christian Camp for Abused and Neglected Children in Julian, CA
Julian Oaks is a Christian camp dedicated to ministering to children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Founded on the principles of faith and service, we provide transformative experiences through summer camps, winter retreats, and year-round gatherings. Our programs focus on emotional healing through the love of Jesus Christ, offering activities like hiking, worship, and Bible studies.With a low camper-to-counselor ratio, we prioritize building lasting relationships and long-term support. Many campers return annually, with opportunities to serve as Junior Counselors. Financial contributions enable us to sustain this mission, creating milestones of healing for children in need.
Services
Summer Camp
Winter Retreats
Counseling Programs
Junior Counselor Training
Bible Studies
Outdoor Activities
Emotional Healing Workshops
Volunteer Opportunities
Donation Programs
Camp Reunions
Highlights and features
- Volunteer counselors provide personalized attention with low camper-to-staff ratios
- Long-term support through annual camp invitations until high school graduation
- Faith-based emotional healing integrated into all activities and interactions
- Proven impact through camper testimonials and counselor experiences
- Community-driven model with opportunities for Junior Counselor development
What people say
Life-changing experience
Compassionate counselors
Healing through faith
Safe environment
Lasting impact
Services
Summer Camp
Our summer camp provides a week-long immersive experience for children aged 9-18, maintaining a 2:1 camper-to-counselor ratio. Activities include hiking, worship sessions, and emotional healing workshops through Christian teachings. The program focuses on building lasting relationships and creating safe spaces for trauma recovery, with campers invited annually until high school graduation.
Winter Retreats
Winter weekend retreats offer smaller group settings with a 1:1 counselor-to-campers ratio. These programs maintain continuity in emotional support and spiritual growth through Bible studies, crafts, and structured recreational activities. The intimate setting allows deeper personal connections while reinforcing the healing begun during summer sessions.
Junior Counselor Training
This program trains former campers aged 19+ to become counselors, requiring a 5-day summer commitment and weekend winter service. Participants receive background checks, training materials, and mentorship from experienced staff. The initiative creates career pathways while maintaining program continuity through individuals who understand the campers' experiences firsthand.
Emotional Healing Workshops
Daily workshops integrate trauma-informed practices with Christian teachings, addressing deep emotional wounds through guided discussions and creative expression. Counselors trained in compassionate listening facilitate sessions that balance structured activities with spontaneous emotional processing, creating safe environments for vulnerability and growth.
Year-Round Support
Beyond camp sessions, we maintain connections through reunions, mentorship programs, and follow-up communications. This continuity ensures sustained emotional support as children progress through foster care systems, with many returning annually to serve as counselors themselves, completing the cycle of healing and service.
People
Tina Massa
Co-Founding Director, Executive Director, CEO
Co-founder with over 15 years of camp leadership experience, directing operations and strategic vision while maintaining hands-on involvement in counselor training and camper care.
Nick Massa
Program Director, Facility Management
Program director overseeing facility operations and rentals, with 12 years of experience managing camp logistics and supporting counselor teams during sessions.
Danae Massa
Program Director, Administration
Administrative lead with expertise in mentorship programs, managing camper records and coordinating year-round support initiatives for former campers.
Cecilia Googe
Program Director, Outreach
Outreach coordinator responsible for promotions and community engagement, organizing volunteer recruitment and maintaining partnerships with foster care agencies.
Braydon Googe
Program Director, Registrations
Registration manager handling camper intake processes and junior counselor program coordination, ensuring smooth administrative operations for all camp sessions.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 9-18 who have been removed from homes due to abuse or neglect, with programs tailored to different developmental stages.
How can I become a volunteer counselor?
Applicants must be committed Christians aged 19+, complete a background check, attend training, and commit to 5 days in summer or a weekend in winter.
What activities are offered at camp?
Activities include hiking, swimming, crafts, drama/music programs, worship sessions, Bible studies, and emotional healing workshops through Christian teachings.
How are donations used?
Donations fund camper scholarships, facility maintenance, counselor training, and year-round support programs for emotional healing and spiritual growth.
Do you offer year-round programs?
While main sessions occur in summer and winter, we maintain ongoing support through reunions, mentorship programs, and follow-up communications throughout the year.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict counselor-to-camper ratios (2:1 summer, 1:1 winter), conduct background checks on all volunteers, and provide continuous staff training in trauma-informed care.
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