The Importance of Summer Camp for Youth Experiencing Foster Care

Jan 6

Summer camp is a cherished experience for many children. It’s a time to explore nature, build friendships, and develop new skills. For children and youth experiencing foster care, the benefits of summer camp extend far beyond fun and adventure. Camp provides a safe and supportive environment where youth can grow and create lasting memories. Additionally, summer camp plays a vital role in preventing burnout for foster parents while also offering financial assistance through foster-friendly camp scholarships.

Youth experiencing foster care have often endured trauma, instability, and frequent changes in their living situations. Summer camp offers an opportunity to step away from the stress of life and immerse themselves in an environment designed for personal growth and joy. And don’t let age prevent youth from attending camp. Many camps serve up to age 17 and offer amazing opportunities for our teens.

Key Benefits for Children in Foster Care:

Building Confidence: Camp provides a structured setting where youth can take on new challenges, try new activities, and feel a sense of accomplishment
Forming Healthy Friendships: Youth may struggle with attachment and trust, but camp offers an opportunity to build friendships in a supportive space
Emotional Healing: Many camps are run by trauma-informed employees who understand the unique needs of youth experiencing foster care, adding additional patience and support
A Break from Stress: Camp allows youth to have a break from their usual environment, offering them a chance to be kids without the added layers of life stress

Foster parents play an essential role in providing stability and care, but the demands of parenting, especially for children and youth who have experienced trauma, can be overwhelming. Summer camp offers a valuable reprieve, allowing foster parents to recharge while knowing children and youth in their care are in a safe and enriching environment.

How Summer Camp Helps Foster Parents:

Time for Self-Care: A short break allows foster parents to rest, reset, and maintain their own well-being
Strengthening Family Bonds: When youth return from camp, they bring back new experiences and skills that enhance their relationships with caregivers
Improved Caregiving: With time to recharge, foster parents can return to their caregiving roles with renewed energy and patience

Foster-Friendly Camp Scholarships: Making Camp Accessible

Many organizations recognize the immense value of summer camps for youth experiencing foster care and offer scholarships to ensure children and youth can participate at little to no cost. These programs help remove financial barriers and allow foster parents to provide enriching experiences for children and youth in their care.

How to Access Camp Scholarships for Youth Experiencing Foster Care:

Many states offer financial assistance for youth to attend camp. Check with your local child welfare contact
Contact the camp directly BEFORE enrollment time to inquire about scholarships

If you’re a foster parent, caregiver, or advocate, consider exploring camp opportunities for the children in your care. It could be the experience that changes their life.

Become a Foster Parent: www.nyap.org/fostercare

Do you have camps to add to our ever-growing list? Simply email the information and links to FosterResources@nyap.org

Foster-Friendly Camps

The following is a non-exhaustive list of day camps and overnight camps located in states where NYAP provides services, or that have been provided by the community. This list is for informational purposes only. NYAP does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the suitability of any specific camp, and makes no representations regarding the quality, safety, or appropriateness of the camps listed.

All States:

Salvation Army Camps
Royal Family Kids Camp & Teen Reach Adventure Camp
YMCA Camps
Boys & Girls Club Camps
Afterschool All-Stars Programs
Student Life Camp
Connect Camps
Eluna Network Camps
Breakthrough Basketball Camps