Camp Weekend
A Place Where Kids Transform
Camp Mariposa is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use of a family member.
Children and teens attend transformational weekend camps every other month for a year or more. Youth ages 9-12 participate in fun, traditional camp activities combined with education and support sessions led by mental health professionals. Teens are given an opportunity to continue their involvement and build leadership skills as Junior Counselors. Camp Mariposa builds knowledge, life skills, confidence and provides an opportunity for youth to connect with peers and caring adult mentors. Additional social and educational activities are offered for youth, alumni and their families throughout the year. All Camp Mariposa activities are provided free of charge.
Youth who attend Camp Mariposa learn coping skills that build resiliency and ultimately break the cycle of addiction. Eluna partners with youth-focused organizations to offer this award-winning program in communities across the country.
Camp Mariposa is succeeding in breaking the cycle of addiction:
- 93% of youth have not used any substance to get high.
- 95% of youth have not been involved in the juvenile justice system.
Camp Mariposa allows youth to:
• Connect with friends in similar situations
• Reduce feelings of guilt and isolation
• Learn that addiction is a disease and not their fault
• Develop trusting relationships with adult mentors
• Build confidence and learn critical life skills
• Have fun!
Benefits of Camp
Core Components of Camp Mariposa
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Mentoring
Mentoring is one key to the success of the Camp Mariposa program. Youth develop trusting relationships with both trained adult mentors and teen mentors who have successfully graduated from Camp Mariposa. Through these mentoring relationships, youth develop social skills and a stronger support network that can benefit them throughout their lives.
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness activities such as deep breathing stretching/movement yoga and wilderness hikes are incorporated into Camp Mariposa weekends. Through these activities, youth learn a critical coping skill that can be used to manage difficult emotions and stress.
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Activities for Youth and Families
Camp Mariposa offers additional social and recreational activities throughout the year. Outings to sporting events and amusement parks provide youth, their families and mentors an opportunity to connect and have fun. Camp Mariposa alumni and teen mentors also attend similar activities where they reunite with friends and gain support during the often-challenging teen years.
