A safe place for kids to be kids, while parents rebuild
We know that the days immediately following an evacuation or a disaster are highly uncertain, stressful, and anxious days. We help parents find normalcy for their family by providing day camps for their kids that are fun, immersive, and safe. While kids have a blast at camp, parents have the time and space to get back on their feet.
Hear From Parents
“For my daughter, the best part of [Project:Camp] was seeing someone familiar and being able to see one of her best friends from school who, like the rest of us, has been flung about like puzzle pieces. There’s a lot of uncertainty for adults and kids alike so being able to experience something positive in the middle of all this -- I vicariously gained hope through it.”
— Sierra, parent of Cidra
“I cannot tell you how much of a relief it was. I have two active boys. It was such a relief that they were safe, active and having a good time during this period of high stress.”
— Zanetta, parent of Zachary and Vinny
“Project:Camp really was a godsend. Being evacuated, there were no resources, no community. But coming to camp, with the structure and the friends and the fun, gave [my boys] something to look forward to while we figured out next steps.”
— Jenna, parent of Titan and Bear
Hear From Campers
“Camp was nice because I had friends I could relate to.”
— Brenda
It was awesome. I got to climb on clouds. I got to do a lot of projects. I got to build stuff.
— Mila
What A Camp Looks Like
Some of our past camps
We work nationwide to ensure that every child impacted by disasters is cared for, working with community partners to provide trauma-informed programming for kids to process through play.
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In response to the Lahaina fire's devastation, Project:Camp was on the ground almost immediately to set up a day camp at the Maui YMCA. Our days at camp were filled with fun adventures like exploring a community garden, crafting paper airplanes, and playing "Captain's Coming," all while providing a nurturing environment for children to process their experiences and find safety and stability. Our presence on Maui was met with overwhelming support, reflecting the community's resilience and desire to heal. After a successful two-week pop-up camp, we transitioned the camp's operations to the Maui YMCA, helping to meet the continued need for childcare on the island.
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Project:Camp's response to Hurricane Ian involved a collaborative effort with Charlotte County Government and Save the Children, offering over 2,000 hours of trauma-informed childcare amidst the storm's widespread destruction. With additional support from Walt Disney World Resort, including donations of Mickey Mouse plushies, we brought smiles and comfort to the children, emphasizing the power of community and partnership in times of crisis. The camp also served as a vital support system for the children of first responders, playing a key role in the community's recovery efforts. This experience reinforced our commitment to providing essential childcare during disasters, highlighting its impact on overall recovery processes.
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Facing the early onset of wildfire season, Project:Camp established a pop-up camp in Glorieta, NM, outside of Santa Fe, offering a safe and engaging space for children affected by the wildfires. The camp featured a variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and an educational tour of the solar system, facilitated by the support of Glorieta Adventure Camps and local volunteers. Over the course of 10 days, we delivered 1,488 hours of free, trauma-informed childcare to more than 50 unique campers, providing relief and normalcy to families in crisis. This initiative not only helped the children and their families but also showcased the strength and generosity of the New Mexico community, coming together to support those in need.