Thank you for visiting our page. Fortress Kids is part of Fortress Church, serving as a dedicated ministry for inner-city children and teenagers in Los Angeles.
About Fortress Kids:
Fortress Kids is committed to providing inner-city youth with transformative encounters with Christ. We engage with children and teenagers weekly, teaching them about faith, hope, and love as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, our Savior. Additionally, we equip them with essential life and leadership skills, including technology usage, public speaking, musical instruments, and relational skills, empowering them to lead and mentor younger peers.
Washington, DC
One of our upcoming projects is a trip to Washington D.C. in June 2025. This journey will be a first-time flying experience for many and a first venture outside the city for others. This trip aims to foster community among the youth and inspire them to dream big. Through this experience, they will learn entrepreneurship by fundraising towards a goal, teamwork, effective communication of their objectives, and generosity through fundraising on behalf of peers who need support.
Learning Outcomes:
Historical Understanding (H):
- Deepen knowledge of Washington DC's historical significance, key events, and figures in American history.
- Enrich academic studies by visiting national museums, historical sites, and participating in educational tours.
Civic Appreciation & Cultural Awareness (CA):
- Foster appreciation for civic duties and the functioning of the US government by visiting landmarks such as the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the White House.
- Enhance understanding of diverse cultures by exploring museums and monuments, recognizing their contributions to American society.
Spiritual Growth (SG):
- Strengthen Christian faith through daily devotionals, prayer sessions, and church services, promoting spiritual development and community.
- Build biblical historical knowledge and spiritual unity, understanding Jesus' impact on their lives before the trip.
- Connect personal and spiritual growth with experiences in Washington DC through reflection and journaling.
Leadership and Teamwork (LT):
- Build leadership and teamwork skills through group activities and discussions, encouraging collaboration and mutual support.
- Demonstrate respect and responsibility by following behavioral guidelines and showing consideration for others.
Fundraising and Community Building (FCB):
- Foster a sense of community and cooperation by collectively raising funds for the trip.
- Improve social skills by interacting with diverse individuals, fostering broader social connections.
Entrepreneurial and Advocacy Skills (EAS):
- Develop entrepreneurial skills, learn to advocate for resources, and enhance creativity in problem-solving.
- Learn to plan and execute activities effectively.
Inspiration and Aspiration (IA):
- Encourage dreaming big despite current circumstances or lack of resources.
Please join us in supporting these children as they work to make this dream a reality. And learn a bit more about them below:
Melody Zamarripa
I would love to go to Washington DC to be able see and explore the iconic landmarks. Some of those would be the White House, different kinds of museums, the Library of Congress, and many other exciting places! I would also really enjoy going to Washington DC because, I have never traveled before. I'm looking forward to the journey to Washington DC and I'm also really exited for all of the many fun things that we have planned! One of my main goals of in life is to become a nurse, because I enjoy helping others. A couple of things you may not know about me is I love to play the Viola, I enjoy being around my friends family, people that make my laugh and I love decorating things!
Galilee Salazar
Hi, I am Galilee! I am a 7th grader from Los Angeles, CA. I really want to go on this trip because I want to explore Washington and learn new things, especially about history. I really want to learn more about God and share it with others. I am really stoked that I can go with my friends from church and make this happen.
Jade Novelo
Hi, I am Jade. I am a 7th grader from Los Angeles, CA. My goal is to go to college to become a veterinarian and one day own a veterinary clinic. I really want to go on this trip but my parents should not have to pay for all of it. So I have been selling candy and chips. I also have been trying to help others raise their money as well. I want to go on this trip because I want to see Washington DC, learn more about God, see the White House, and visit all of the Memorials there. I am really excited that I can go with my friends.
Nicole Maldonado
Hello, my name is Nicole and I want to tell you my reasons for wanting to go to Washington, DC. This would be my first time going on plane and to the Nation's Capital. I want to be able to experience a fun trip and learn new things. My church and I, are coming together to all make this trip possible. We will be making fundraisers and finding ways on how to raise our goal. It will be a great time to take the time to spend time with one another and make new memories!
Briana Maldonado
Hi, I am Briana. My goals are to be able to continue to learn how to strive for what I aspire to accomplish. As well as staying diligent and motivated throughout the process. I would love to go on this trip because it would be a great new change of scenery. I think it would be a great experience to be able to travel with my brothers & sisters in Christ. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of historic landmarks and beautiful buildings. I am most certainly looking forward to being able to visit the Bible Museum, as well. The summer of 2025 would be my last summer as a “kid”, moving forward into adult life. Overall, this would be a very special trip with lots of great memories. Thank you for your time!
Dayanna Guzman
Hi! I am Dayanna and I am an eighth grader in Fortress Kids. My goal is to raise enough money to go to the Washington DC trip my church is hosting. I also want every kid that wants to go to the trip to be able to go so I want to help raise money for them too. I want to go the Nation’s Capital because I want to learn more history behind the bible and of this nation. Plus, I’ve never been out of state so this would be a great experience for me.
Natasha Arellanos
Hi my name is Natasha Arellanos Perez and one of my dream places to travel to is Washington, DC because of its rich history and amazing places. Attending this trip will be an exciting moment for my friends and I to learn more about the stories from the Bible and view the old and new testament in the Bible Museum and the history of this amazing country. Unfortunately, I have never traveled before and so if we raise enough money this would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about the monuments there and feel a deeper connection to the values of freedom and equality that are so important in our country. I am trying to fundraise as much as possible by selling candy so this trip is not too much for my parents to pay. This will also be a challenge for me because I am a shy person but I am excited to take on this venture. Anything you can help donate will be very helpful to me and my family. Thank you.
Jasiel Novelo
Hi, I am Jasiel Novelo. I am 9 years old from Los Angeles CA. I play baseball at the Hart baseball field in Valencia, CA. I also like outdoor activities. Currently, I play in two baseball teams. The reason I want to go to Washington D.C is because I want to see all the congress buildings and the Bible Museum. I am fundraising so it will be less expensive for my mom. Thank you for your support!
Stella Zamarripa
Hi! I am Stella! There are many reasons why I want to go to Washington DC. The first reason why I want to go to Washington DC is because I have never been on a plane before and have never traveled. And I also really want to go to see the White House and other different things such as museums that I've never been to. One of my main goals in life is to become a veterinarian because I love animals. Please help us reach our goal.
Humberto Guzman
Hi, my name Humberto Guzman and I am fifteen from Eastvale, California. The reason I want to go to Washington DC because it will be a very good experience. There are many places to explore and learn about. I am most excited about the museums because I love history. I am also interested on how different out-of-state food is, for I have never been out of California. This trip will be very exciting for me. A little about myself – currently I am a sophomore with plans to become an electrician after high school. I am focusing on that career because I find electronics interesting.
If you are interested in donating to this cause or any child in particular you can do so here:
Instructions:
- To contribute to the general fund, select "General Fund."
- When selecting a child to donate to, scroll to and choose the child's name, then re-enter their name in the notes section.
- If you are using this for a fundraising payment, please specify the child you are supporting and include the product purchased in the notes.
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