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, 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.
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.
2026 Registration is now closed. Thank you to every family who registered this summer. We look forward to an incredible few weeks with our campers.
If you missed registration this year and want to be notified when registration for 2027 opens, please follow us on social media or check back here.
2026 Program Dates: Weekdays, June 15 – July 1, 2026
What Camp Encouragement 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.
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 Evening Program for Teens Ages 13–17
Camp Encouragement: Pathfinders is a free, two-week healing-centered evening program for teens ages 13–17 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.
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. Food will be provided at each session.
2026 Program Dates: Weekdays, July 27 – August 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 101 Washington Ave., Upper Chichester, PA 19014
Expanding Our Reach in 2026
This summer, the Will Trippley Foundation is proud to partner with Chester Education Foundation to extend 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 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.
