Finding Joy After Loss
Camp Encouragement
Camp Encouragement is a free, three-week summer program that helps children find joy after loss. Open to all children, the camp is especially responsive to the needs of families from under-resourced communities and those experiencing a wide range of losses, including death, incarceration, separation, and abandonment.
Through counseling, creative expression, friendship, and fun, children gain the coping tools they need to build resilience and rediscover hope.
Camp Encouragement 2026
We’re already planning for next summer and we’d love to keep you in the loop. In 2026, Camp Encouragement will return with our full three-week program for children ages 7 to 12, along with an exciting new Teen Week for youth ages 13 to 17. If you're a parent, guardian, or caregiver interested in learning more, sign up below to receive updates and early access to registration.
2026 Program Dates:
Children’s Camp (Ages 7 to 12): Weekdays, Monday, June 15 to Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Teen Week (Ages 13 to 17): Dates to be announced
What Camp Offers in 2026
Camp Encouragement is more than a summer camp. It’s 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’ll 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.
🧸 A visit to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia for hands-on exploration and imaginative play.
🏕️ An overnight experience at Genesee Valley in Parkton, Maryland—offering adventure, teamwork, and lasting memories.
Every activity is designed with the intention to help grieving children build connection, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope.
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.
