Finding Joy After Loss
Camp Encouragement
Camp Encouragement is a free, three-week summer program that helps children ages 7 to 12 find joy, healing, and community after loss. Open to any child in Chester, PA, and the surrounding communities, the program welcomes families navigating a wide range of losses, including the death of a loved one, incarceration, separation, divorce, and abandonment. Every experience, every meal, and every activity is completely free to every family we serve.
Through counseling, creative expression, friendship, and adventure, children discover that they are not alone, that healing is possible, and that joy is still within reach.
2026 Registration is OPEN
We are so excited to welcome a new group of campers this summer. If you know a child ages 7 to 12 in Chester, PA or the surrounding communities who has experienced loss of any kind, we would love to have them join us. Registration is completely free and takes just a few minutes to complete. Forms are available in both English and Spanish, so every family can access the information they need in the language they are most comfortable with.
2026 Program Dates:
Children’s Camp (Ages 7 to 12): Weekdays, Monday, June 15 to Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
What Camp Offers in 2026
Camp Encouragement is more than a summer camp. It is a space for healing, joy, and discovery. In 2026, children ages 7 to 12 will participate in a wide range of meaningful and exciting experiences designed to support emotional growth, cultural connection, and confidence building.
Campers will enjoy:
🦓 A trip to Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, where they will connect with nature, animals, and each other.
🖤 A special Juneteenth activity to honor history, heritage, and community.
✍️ Journaling sessions that help campers express emotions, reflect, and build self-awareness.
🌱 A day of learning at Spicebush Montessori, one of our longtime partners.
🏕️ An overnight experience at Genesee Valley in Parkton, Maryland, offering adventure, teamwork, and lasting memories.
And so much more as we continue to build an unforgettable summer for every child we serve!
Every activity is designed to help children navigate loss, build connection, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope.
Expanding Our Reach in 2026
This summer, the Will Trippley Foundation is proud to partner with Chester Education Foundation to extend our healing-centered programming to 9th and 10th-grade students in August 2026. Chester Education Foundation will provide the students and the space, while Camp Encouragement will supply a licensed counselor to ensure every young person has access to the professional support they deserve. This partnership reflects our commitment to serving young people at every stage of their healing journey.
See Our 2025 Impact
Camp Encouragement continues to grow in both reach and impact, and 2025 marked a meaningful step forward. It was the first year we offered an overnight experience for campers, expanding the sense of adventure, connection, and personal growth. From new activities and community partnerships to deeper support for children navigating loss, everything remained completely free to families. Explore our 2025 Impact Report to see how your support helped young people heal, connect, and move forward with strength and hope.
See Camp Encouragement in Action
These powerful moments capture the heart of Camp Encouragement, where children navigating loss find healing, friendship, and unforgettable experiences through connection, creativity, and care.
