Did you know? At least 11% or 8.3 million children in the U.S. live in a home with a parent in need of treatment for alcohol and/or drug dependency.

These children are at greater risk than their peers to suffer from problems such as depression and anxiety, physical health challenges and learning problems; three times more likely to be abused, four times more likely to be neglected, and face four times the risk of developing substance abuse issues.*






Created and funded by The Moyer Foundation, Camp Mariposa is a first-of-its-kind program designed to help meet the needs of children and teens facing the difficult challenges associated with an addicted or co-dependent family member.

Camp Mariposa is a traditional, fun, multi-day camp providing counseling and emotional support, while teaching children a variety of problem solving and self-care strategies to help build a positive self-esteem. The camp gives children a chance to laugh, play, explore and learn, as well as to create friendships with other children that relate to them and understand what they are going through.

Experiences like Camp Mariposa greatly decrease a child’s sense of isolation and fear that they are alone, and provide a network to help access recourses and support after camp.

The idea of Camp Mariposa was developed by The Moyer Foundation’s Co-founder, Karen Moyer and Claudia Black- a member of the Foundation’s Advisory Committee and nationally recognized expert in addiction. The camp is run in partnership with Youth Eastside Services (Y.E.S.), an organization dedicated to serving multiple issues facing at-risk youth. The camp is located near Seattle, Washington.






For specific dates, and to sign up for Camp Mariposa, please contact Y.E.S. here. With the support of a giving community, Camp Mariposa is always free to all children who apply.

  Camp Mariposa brochure – PDF

* According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.