Camp Counselor

Counselors provide direct support and mentorship to campers in small groups. With training in trauma-informed practices, counselors guide campers through daily activities while fostering connection, safety, and growth.

• Individuals aged 18-24.
• Responsibilities include supervising, leading, and giving pathways of hope to participants during the overnight camp week.
• Must be available for trauma-informed counseling training with InterAct.
• Must be available for Camp activities mid-late August. 
• Complete a background check and complete the application.
• Report to Camp Hope Coordinators.

Camp Volunteer

Support Camp HOPE through essential behind-the-scenes roles. Volunteers assist with logistics, meals, programming support, and general camp operations. Training is provided, and no previous experience is required.

• 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. Some volunteer needs will be at InterAct.
• Complete a background check and the application.

Participant Referral

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.

Note: Referral and application do not guarantee overnight camp or Pathways program participation.

Eligibility Factors

• The participant (aged 11-16) and the participant’s caregiver received services at a Family Justice Center, Multi-Agency Center, or community-based agency, such as InterAct.
• FJC partners (InterAct) or other community-based organizations use the Partner Agency Nomination Form to nominate youth for Pathways (ENGLISH) and (SPANISH).
• 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 out of immediate danger for at least three months.
• The participant must not be physically acting out (e.g., physically violent, fighting at school, or showing signs of aggressive behavior).
• The participant cannot have been in a juvenile detention program within the last year or mandated to participate by the court system.

Partner Agency Nomination Forms

Spanish Agency Referral Form

English Agency Referral Form

Parent/Guardian Referral Forms

Spanish Parent/Guardian Form

English Parent/Guardian Form