Experience Camps Opens Its Newest Location in Maryland!
While we’re proud to have a national network of five camp locations, we admittedly have had our eye on expanding since 2019. We hit pause on growing during the pandemic to make sure we could meet new safety protocol for our campers, but are thrilled to share that…we’re coming to Maryland this August 2023! Why Maryland? There are so many reasons!
Here are a few:
- The demand is high: The northeast continues to be the main source of our ever-growing camp waitlist. Launching a camp in Maryland (with nearby DC and Virginia) provides an opportunity for northeast campers–who would otherwise be waitlisted–the chance to come to another location that is easily accessible.
- The need is high: Almost half of children in the Capital Region have suffered a traumatic experience including the death of someone close to them, potentially having serious long-term effects on their health and well-being.
- Follow through on our DEI commitments: We know there is a definitive grief gap when it comes to race. While camp will always be open to all campers–regardless of race, religion, gender, and other–we continue to be deliberate in our approach to create pathways of grief support for black and brown children. The Capital Region provides an opportunity for us to leverage the significant network of community-based organizations already working directly with these families.
Will you help us get the word out? Here’s how you can help:
- Tell others: Share our details with your networks in the area. Post on social media. Forward our emails. Shout it from the rooftops (safely, of course).
- Connect us – Make introductions on our behalf to local social groups in the area, community organizations, companies, and more. Reach out to info@experiencecamps.org to make connections and/or receive sample recruitment materials that can be shared with your networks.
Camp logistics:
- Dates: Campers attend August 15-20, 2023. All volunteers and staff attend from August 14-20, 2023 (includes one day of required in-person orientation).
- Location: Camp Airy in Thurmont, MD
- Camper eligibility: Campers must be entering grades 4th-9th next fall 2023.
- Volunteer eligibility: No direct grief or camp experience necessary. Volunteers must be age 19 or older.