Finding Joy After Loss
Camp Encouragement Programs
Two Programs. One Mission. A Community That Heals Together.
The Will Trippley Foundation believes that no child or teen should navigate loss alone. Camp Encouragement Programs offer free, healing-centered summer experiences for young people ages 7–17 in Chester, PA and the surrounding communities who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This loss may include death, divorce, incarceration, abandonment, or separation due to addiction or other difficult life circumstances.
Every meal, every activity, and every moment of support is completely free to every family we serve.
Camp Encouragement
A Free Summer Program for Children Ages 7–12
Camp Encouragement is a free, three-week summer day program for children ages 7-12 in Chester, PA or throughout Delaware County who have experienced loss. This may include the death of a loved one, divorce, incarceration, abandonment, or separation due to addiction or other difficult life circumstances.
Through counseling, creative expression, friendship, and adventure, children discover they are not alone, that healing is possible, and that joy is still within reach. Every experience, every meal, and every activity is completely free to every family we serve.
Our 2026 season has wrapped. Thank you to every family who shared their summer with us. Registration for Camp Encouragement 2027 opens in early spring. Follow us on social media or join our newsletter to be notified when it's live.
2027 Program Dates: TBD
Camp Encouragement 2026 Highlights
Camp Encouragement is more than a summer camp. It is a space for healing, joy, and discovery. In 2026, children ages 7 to 12 took part in a wide range of meaningful and exciting experiences designed to support emotional growth, cultural connection, and confidence building.
This summer, campers enjoyed:
🦓 A trip to Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, where they connected with nature, animals, and each other.
🖤 A special Juneteenth activity honoring history, heritage, and community.
✍️ Journaling sessions that helped 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, full of adventure, teamwork, and lasting memories.
Every activity was designed to help children navigate loss and build connection, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Planning is already underway for next summer, and we can't wait to welcome a new group of campers. Registration for Camp Encouragement 2027 opens in early spring. Follow us on social media or join our newsletter to be the first to know when it's live.
See Our 2025 Camp Encouragement 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.
Camp Encouragement: Pathfinders
A Free Year-Round Program for Teens Ages 13-17
Camp Encouragement: Pathfinders is a free, healing-centered program for teens ages 13-17 in Chester, PA or throughout Delaware County who have experienced loss. This may include the death of a loved one, divorce, incarceration, abandonment, or separation due to addiction or other difficult life circumstances. Pathfinders gives teens a space to connect with peers who understand, process their experiences, and build resilience through age-appropriate activities, all in a supportive environment led by a licensed professional.
School Year Sessions: First Wednesday of each month, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dinner and homework help provided.
Summer: Two-week evening camp (2027 dates are TBD)
Location: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 101 Washington Ave., Upper Chichester, PA 19014
Registration is open year-round, and teens are welcome to join at any point.
Expanding Our Reach in 2026
This summer, the Will Trippley Foundation proudly partnered with Chester Education Foundation to extend healing-centered programming to 9th and 10th-grade students. Chester Education Foundation provided the students and the space, while Camp Encouragement supplied 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 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.
