Arlaine Cervantes
While traveling through Guatemala, she had a vision of a place where children could stay temporarily to have a similar experience to the one she had experienced in her own youth.
Her own words are:
“I had an epiphany so powerful that I had to stop my van. I knew what I was going to do with the rest of my life.”
Her Story
Arlaine’s childhood was far from easy. Adopted at a young age, she faced hardships that even left her homeless for a time, struggling to survive on her own. But amidst her challenging life, she experienced a transformative summer at a camp in Oregon. For the first time, she felt safe, in peace, surrounded by kind-hearted people and counselors who showed her the potential she had within. This experience planted a seed in her heart: she wanted to create a place where other children could feel valued, empowered, and given the chance to dream of a better future.
With this vision, Arlaine set out to bring Niños del Lago to life. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers from Guatemala, the United States, and the Netherlands, her dream started. Using her savings, she bought land in a forest by the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, and in 2010, construction of the camp began. By 2014, Niños del Lago was ready to welcome its first group of children. That day was incredibly emotional for Arlaine and everyone involved. Since then, hundreds of children have walked through the gates of Niños del Lago, leaving behind their daily struggles for a week to find a place where they feel safe, inspired, and hopeful for the future.
Over the years, the camp has become more than a place for activities—it is a source of hope and transformation. Seeing the spark in each child’s eyes when they arrive is a reminder of the importance of our work. Niños del Lago has continued to grow, expanding with new programs and charity events to address the changing needs of our community.
Niños del Lago Transformation
When the pandemic struck in 2020, it exposed even greater vulnerabilities within families, particularly in areas of health, education, and emotional resilience. In response, we broadened our services to address these critical needs, enhancing educational support, expanding access to medical care, ensuring proper nutrition, and introducing new programs focused on nurturing children’s emotional well-being.
We sadly lost Arlaine in 2021, her legacy lives on in every child who experiences Niños del Lago. Her dream continues to inspire us, and her perseverance and kindness remain the heart of our mission.
She taught us that every child deserves a place to dream big, believe in themselves, and build a future filled with hope. Together, let’s continue making her vision a reality.
Together, we can change lives!
