Moyer Foundation - Camp Mariposa

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.* Knowing that 95% of adult addicts start to use drugs before the age of 20, Camp Mariposa strives to intervene before a problem develops.

“I was shocked to learn that programs for children in this situation simply did not exist, and that’s when I knew The Moyer Foundation could help. Thanks to the leadership and guidance of our partners, and the support of our community, Camp Mariposa will continue to grow and expand like Camp Erin, giving more children hope and the opportunity to break the cycle of addiction for generations to come.”
– Karen Moyer, Chairman of The Moyer Foundation

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 participants a variety of problem-solving and self-care strategies. The camp gives children a chance to laugh, play, explore and learn, as well as to create friendships with other children who relate to them and understand what they are going through.

Camp Mariposa seeks to increase campers' understanding of drug and alcohol abuse and their impact on the family; raise campers' awareness of resources available to help them; reduce their sense of isolation and fear; and help them avoid repeating generational patterns.

The idea and model of Camp Mariposa was developed in 2007 by The Moyer Foundation’s Chairman Karen Moyer and nationally-recognized expert in addiction, Claudia Black. Youth Eastside Services (YES), an organization dedicated to serving multiple issues facing at-risk youth, designed the curriculum and became the first Camp Mariposa partner in late 2007 serving children in the Seattle and surrounding community.

The Moyer Foundation is pleased to announce its national expansion with camp locations established in Indiana, Florida and Washington State. With the support of a giving community, Camp Mariposa is free to all children who apply.

Camp Mariposa - Indiana
In partnership with Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
For more information on Camp Mariposa Indiana, to register or get involved, please contact: Michelle Olson at 574-533-1234 or michelle.olson@oaklawn.org

2011/2012 Camp Dates:
December 2-4, 2011
February 10-12, 2012
March 30 - April 1, 2012
June 8-10, 2012
September 28-30, 2012
November 9-11, 2012

Camp Mariposa - Florida
In partnership with Jewish Family & Children's Service of Sarasota-Manatee
For more information on Camp Mariposa Florida, to register or get involved, please contact: Betsy Schwartz at 941-366-2224 or bschwartz@jfcs-cares.org

2011/2012 Camp Dates:
December 2-4, 2011
February 10-12, 2012
March 30 - April 1, 2012
June 8-10, 2012
August 10-12, 2012
October 19-21, 2012

Camp Mariposa - Washington
In partnership with Youth Eastside Services
For more information on Camp Mariposa Washington, to register or get involved, please contact: Andrea Frost at 425-747-4937

2012 Camp Dates:
February 3-5, 2012 (Ages 9-12)
March 23-25, 2012 (Ages 13-17)

For more information on Camp Mariposa, a location near you or to get involved, please contact info@moyerfoundation.org

Camp Mariposa Brochure

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