Spring Is Here — And So Is Something New: A Q1 Update from Camp Restore Detroit

Something is stirring in the 48205.

As we close out the first quarter of 2026, we are humbled, grateful, and excited. God keeps showing up in ways we didn't plan for.

Here's a glimpse of what's been happening.

A New Chapter for Our Young Adults We are building something we've never had before: a full pathway for our teenagers and young adults — from the classroom all the way to a career. This quarter, we formalized our Pre-Vocational Training Program in partnership with Crosspointe Career Academy and SEMCA. Students who complete the program will graduate with real-world skills and the opportunity for a scholarship to vocational training. We're talking trades. We're talking careers. We're talking generational change.

Our first cohort is forming now. Please pray for these young men and women.

Leadership Academy Is Taking Shape Twelve seats. High expectations. Young people who are ready for something more. Our Leadership Academy — for students ages 16 to 20 — is coming into focus this quarter, with mentors, speakers, and a community of people who believe excellence is not just possible in the 48205. It is happening, with students coming from Camp Restore and our partners at RAHAAM, Detroit Friend & Family, and Bethany Lutheran Church.

Our Kids Are Reading Dr. Clare and the Hard Court Hitters have been showing up every week without fail. This quarter, children came through the to read, learn, and be loved. We don't take that lightly. Every child who walks through that door carries a story — and we believe every child deserves to be seen.

Dressed for the Night For the third year in a row, we transformed one of our classrooms into something a little unexpected — a full boutique dress shop, complete with charcuterie boards, a welcoming atmosphere, and 30 young women who deserved a prom experience as beautiful as themselves. The Prom Dress Pop-Up is one of those events that reminds us: dignity is a form of restoration too.

Putting Down Roots — Literally In mid-March, our community became even more beautiful thanks to English Gardens. Over 70 community members went home with beautiful plants, trees, and tulips to plant in yards — a small but real act of beautifying the neighborhood we all love.

Building Relationships This quarter we held our very first FORO —

We gathered an intentional group of committed partners for a tour and a dinner — not a presentation, not a pitch, just people around a table who care about the same neighborhood, getting to know each other more deeply. It was the beginning of something we believe God has been building toward for a long time. Let us know if you are interested in the next one!

Summer Is Coming — And It's Going to Be Big This summer, we'll welcome youth groups from across the country to come serve alongside us — sleeping here, eating here, worshipping here, working here. If your church, school, or organization wants to send a team, now is the time to reach out.

And for the kids right here in the 48205, we are launching S.P.A.R.K. Kids Camp — a full summer experience for K–12 students featuring literacy, STEM, sports, and more. This is for our neighborhood; our kids. And this summer, God is doing something extraordinary.

Our First Ever Matching Campaign — (And We Need You!) For the first time ever, Camp Restore Detroit has a matching gift opportunity — and it is too good to pass up. Three generous partners have committed to match every dollar raised, up to $36,000. That means your gift of $100 becomes $150. Your gift of $500 becomes $750. Every dollar you give between now and July 1st is worth 50% more than it would be any other day.

Youth in Action Is Coming This summer, we'll welcome youth groups from across the country to come serve alongside us — sleeping here, eating here, worshipping here, working here, making an impact in our community. If your church, school, or organization wants to send a team, now is the time to reach out.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."— Ephesians 2:10

Thank you for being part of this work. Thank you for believing in this neighborhood. Thank you for choosing to restore.

With Gratitude,

The Camp Restore Detroit Team

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