In 2009, Joyce and Jeff Robinson, along with David Moss, had a vision to help counter social and economic disparities in South LA by building bridges between student groups through unconventional means – they wanted to send kids to a three-day outdoor camp. This was the beginning of the Harold Robinson Foundation (HRF), where the goal was to bring as many South LA youth to camp as possible.
From early on, the founders realized that the three-day retreats where much more than just kids going on an incredible adventure. Parents and teachers were getting tremendous value out of their experience as well. Participants were building new relationships and friendships, perspectives were changing, and disparate groups were coming together in a healthy way…often for the first time ever. It quickly became clear that the HRF camp experience was a powerful tool for building community and unity, for youth and adults alike.