Kids we help & who they are
of prison
population was in
Foster Care
Camp Joy provides monthly respite programs for youth in foster care that teaches life skills, provides role models, and gives them a positive outlook for their future
Children today
have a nature
deficit
Camp Joy provides more than 7,000 youth per year with the opportunity to reconnect with nature, get their hands dirty, and unplug from technology.
“Camp taught me that if I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything that I want and that makes me feel amazing.”
After the tragic loss of her mother, Maggie was encouraged to attend a program for grieving youth at Camp Joy by one of her teachers. Maggie gained the ability to reflect and take in every experience at camp. This helped her overcome sadness and isolation over the years: “When I attended the grieving camp, I got to meet other kids my age with similar experiences which made me happy because I realized that I wasn’t alone.” Activities like creative arts and “sharing circles” helped Maggie gain more confidence and push herself to step out of her comfort zone. The “challenge by choice” philosophy at Camp Joy allowed Maggie to come out of her shell and meet new friends along the way.
Maggie, Camper, Camp Erin - Fernside Hospice of Cincinnati