Submitted by Family Support Center of South Sound
In 2016, Family Support Center of South Sound was selected by the Verizon Foundation to launch Washington State’s first Camp HOPE America program, an evidence based, secular, camping and mentoring program for children and youth who have witnessed domestic violence and experienced trauma. Overseen by the Alliance for HOPE International, Camp HOPE America programs have been shown to help young people develop the mental skills and resilience needed to overcome the effects that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as trauma can exert on them.
In 2017, 54 children and youth participated in Camp HOPE America – Washington. We are pleased to announce that in our 2018 season, Family Support Center will host 70 campers. Our two camp sessions will take place at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp in Shelton and will allow participants the opportunity to experience the outdoors in ways many may not be able to in their daily lives. Campers will sleep in open-air cabins, swim and canoe in the lake, go white water rafting, visit Nature Nurture Farms, and will have opportunities to experience new things with peers from similar backgrounds.
Last year Camp HOPE America –Washington was able to raise the levels of resiliency in their campers at rate higher than that of the national Camp HOPE average. Campers left believing in themselves, believing in others, and believing in their ability to achieve their dreams. Over 50% of this year’s campers are returning from last year. They are excited to see their friends and to challenge themselves to reach new goals at camp.
A program such as Camp HOPE America –Washington is only possible with the support of our community. Family Support Center needs your help to make Camp possible! We would like to invite you to join us at camp by helping out in our kitchen and preparing a meal or two for our hungry campers and staff. We still need 50 vinyl twin mattress covers, 40 beach towels, 10 sleeping bags, and 20 cases of nut-free snacks. Individuals, businesses, or organizations interested in supporting Camp HOPE can do so by making monetary donations, material donations, or volunteering. To arrange for donations or volunteering, please contact Maija Glasier-Lawson at maijag@fscss.org or 360-754-9297 x214. To learn more about Camp HOPE, visit http://fscss.org/services/camphope.html.
Family Support Center of South Sound
Family Support Center of South Sound is a nonprofit 501c3 multi-service agency located in downtown Olympia, Washington, founded in 1992 to provide families with coordinated supportive services in one centralized location with the mission, “Working Together to Strengthen All Families.” All of the programs and services offered are centered around the goal of reducing the impacts of family and child poverty, adverse childhood experiences, homelessness, and family violence in the South Sound community. You can find out more about Family Support Center and their programs at www.fscss.org.
