Sojourner House's annual "Camp Eureka" recently wrapped up. 40 children who have been impacted by abuse, trauma or domestic violence, gathered for the one-week summer program. The children got to enjoy a week of outdoor adventures, cooperative games, arts and crafts, and team-building activities while building new friendships. For the second year in a row, we also had a program for the older youth to learn life skills, leadership and team building.
Beatrice Ake, school-based advocate and one of the staff members running the camp, had so many incredible stories to share with us about the experience. One that stood out the most was a story of the bonds that were built among kids at the camp:
"I think for me, the biggest thing that I am always surprised with is the friendships that the kids build and such a short amount of time. On our third day, it was our slip and slide day. It was great to see how the kids would support and comfort each other. Specifically for one of the groups, we had a teen that was intimidated by the water slide and was afraid to go. One of the other teens offered to go with them on the slide and reassured them that it looked scary, but it wasn't at all. The teen who was afraid took them on their offer, and they went on the slide together. After that, we saw how all the kids wanted to go down the slide together, and they would wait for everyone to join and hold hands."
For many of these kids, the social and economic barriers created by domestic violence make summer camp inaccessible. Camp Eureka is free and allows the campers the opportunity to enjoy summer, meet new friends, and build lasting bonds. We're thankful to our staff who make the week so great for all participants, and we can't wait till next year!
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