Camp Hope Counselor and Volunteer Information
InterAct’s Camp HOPE is arriving August 18-23, 2024!
Camp HOPE is the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the U.S. focused on children and teens exposed to domestic violence. Its mission is to provide youth with a brighter future through pathways to hope and healing.
Camp HOPE America includes a week of camp supported by year-round activities, and participants are recruited through a referral process.
Thanks to generous donors and supporters, Camp HOPE is free for families. If you are interested in sponsoring a child’s camp week or making a donation, please visit Camp HOPE Counselor for more information.
Donations at any level are appreciated.
To support, please click here.
About Camp HOPE America
Camp HOPE America is the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic violence. Our mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing. What makes Camp HOPE America special is the trauma-informed lens the program was developed from. At Camp HOPE America, we praise campers for the person that they are becoming, seeing their character for who they are and not what they have accomplished. The goal has been to create a year-round program where youth can feel safe, seen, heard, encouraged, and cared for. Camp HOPE America comprises a week of camp supported by year-round activities.
Throughout a week at camp, campers participate in various activities ranging from field games to rock climbing, tubing to high and low ropes courses, and art projects to silly campfire songs. Campers are challenged to step outside their comfort zone and accomplish an activity they haven’t had the opportunity to do before to overcome their fears. Each day, campers read about real people, not too much older than they are, who have overcome diversity, abuse, and other real-life challenges to show them that they are not alone and that their past does not define their future.
The year-round component of the Camp HOPE America program is intended to create a safe and nurturing community for not only the youth involved but also their families. The events held throughout the year are varied, ranging from team-building activities to college tours. We want to continue to expose children and teens to potential careers they never would have known about, STEAM projects, hobbies and interests, etc., while also giving them positive role models and friends.
Camp HOPE America is a program like no other—showing youth that there is a future ahead of hope and healing beyond the trauma they have endured.
About Camp Hope, Counselor, and Volunteer Positions
Do you have a heart for helping youth find pathways to hope and healing after trauma? InterAct is able to engage with the camp children and the campsite with the help of counselors and volunteers each year. Please contact us for our 2025 Camp Hope event if you would like to join us.
Applications are closed for 2024, but if you are interested, please see the requirements below and contact InterAct at CampHope@interactofwake.org.
InterAct Camp Counselor Requirements
- Individuals aged 18-24.
- Responsibilities include supervising, leading, and giving pathways of hope to participants during overnight camp week.
- Must be available for trauma-informed counseling training with InterAct.
- Must be available for Camp activities mid-late August. Our 2025 camp date and location is not yet determined.
- Complete a background check and complete the application.
- Report to Camp Hope Coordinators.
- Contact CampHope@interactofwake.org to learn more and apply.
InterAct Camp Volunteer Requirements
- Volunteers offer their time, talent, and treasures in multiple ways.
- They may organize camp supplies, donate funds or necessary supplies, and assist with check-in or check-out logistics before, during, and after camp.
- Volunteers do not interact significantly with the program participants and caregivers, but they often champion behind-the-scenes activities to make the program possible.
- Must be available for camp prep activities mid-late August. Our camp date is scheduled for Sunday, August 18-Friday, August 23, 2024, at Camp Kanata in Wake Forest, NC. Some volunteer needs will be at InterAct.
- Complete a background check and the application.
If you are interested in either position, have questions, or want to apply, please get in touch with the InterAct Camp HOPE team at CampHope@interactofwake.org.
Note: Referral and application do not guarantee participation in the overnight camp or the Pathways program.
Child Referral Information
Referrals are closed for 2024, but if you would like to learn more, please see the requirements below and contact InterAct at CampHope@interactofwake.org. Our 2025 camp date and location is not yet determined.
Note: Referral and application do not guarantee participation in the overnight camp or the Pathways program.
Camp HOPE America offers a safe, supportive environment for children and teens impacted by trauma. Domestic violence and related abuse have long-term effects on youth. Camp HOPE is a free, week-long camp designed to help these children heal, break down trauma barriers, and move toward a positive, healthy future.
Eligibility Factors
- The participant (aged 7-13) and the participant’s caregiver received services at a Family Justice Center, Multi-Agency Center, or community-based agency, such as InterAct.
- Youth are nominated for Pathways by FJC partners (InterAct) or other community-based organizations using the Partner Agency Nomination Form.
- The participant demonstrates an ability to emotionally self-regulate, as evidenced by direct observation, caregiver feedback, or feedback from a professional (coach, teacher, afterschool provider) who regularly interacts with the participant.
- Families can also self-refer, but the Hope Coordinator should connect with at least one professional involved in the participant’s school life (school counselor, teacher, afterschool staff, coach, etc.) before scheduling a meet and greet with the family to discuss the program.
Ineligibility Factors
- The participant must not be in immediate crisis and must be at least three months out of immediate danger.
- The participant must not be physically acting out (i.e. physically violent, fighting at school, or showing signs of aggressive behavior, etc.).
- The participant cannot have been in a juvenile detention program within the last year or mandated to participate by the court system.
Counselor and Volunteer Positions are Currently Closed for 2024. However, if you are interested, please check out the links below and email us.
READY TO BECOME A CAMP HOPE COUNSELOR?
Please fill out this application and email it to camphope@interactofwake.org.
TO APPLY TO BECOME A CAMP HOPE VOLUNTEER:
Please email camphope@interactofwake.org.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REFER A CHILD as a partner agency or as a parent/guardian?
Please complete this Form and email it to camphope@interactofwake.org.
You can also complete one of the Google forms below to automatically submit.
Partner Agency Nomination Forms
Parent/Guardian Referral Forms
For more information, check out the Camp Hope Information page.