Healing Camps
Empowering Children to Thrive Since 2011™
Sparks of Hope®
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Established in 2011, Sparks of Hope® is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit organization that offers direct healing services to children and teens who have been impacted by abuse; assisting child survivors by walking alongside them in their healing journey to find their courage and their voice. Based in Portland, Oregon, Sparks of Hope offers services statewide. The plan for the future is to expand nationwide. Sparks of Hope’s number one priority is to meet the needs of our most vulnerable youth in whatever capacity we can. Sparks of Hope believes that every child deserves to go to a safe, supportive, and fun camp.
™Sparks of Hope is a registered trademark in the US Patent and Trademark Office.
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Camper FAQ
Dear Camper / Little Buddy:
Sparks of Hope has a lot going on for our Campers! Answers to our most frequently asked questions are below:
How old do I have to be to attend camp?
Camp is open for children from the age of 8 to 17 years old. However, we continue the relationship with each of our campers well into adulthood through our Transition Program. The Transition Program’s intent is to train teens (18 or older) that are aging out of our camp program to continue on to becoming a Big Buddy/Mentor themselves.
Are boys and girls together at camp?
We have Boys Only & Girls Only Camps: We offer separate boys and girls camps to help expedite the healing process.
How long is camp?
Depending on season, camp runs for 5 days in the Summer and 3 days in the Winter.
How much does camp cost?
The average cost per camper per week is $800 (Cost to camper’s families: NONE). Expense for campers to attend camp is solely provided by the generous donations of our corporate/business partners, as well as individual donors. Children whose application registrations are accepted will be 100% sponsored.
What items are provided at my first camp?
We provide each new camper a Welcome Package that includes:
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Brand new sleeping bag
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Pillow
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Pillow Case
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Toiletries
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Camp Shirt and/or sweatshirt depending on season
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and other suprises
Returning campers always receive a new pillow case, toiletries, camp shirt or sweatshirt and other surprises in their Welcome Package as well. We ask that they bring with them to camp, their sleeping bag and pillow that we previously provided.
Parent FAQ
Dear Parent / Guardian:
Answers to our most frequently asked questions are below:
What geographic area do you serve?
We accept children who live throughout the state of Oregon, but will not turn any child or teen away wishing to attend our camp who live in another state.
How does camp work?
All campers are assigned their very own Big Buddy (same gender) throughout the entirety of camp. The Big Buddy’s job is to be a mentor/support person/friend. Big Buddies must be 18 years of age or older. Potential Buddies must attend our mandatory intensive trauma informed care training program. Extensive background checks are completed, including state and national criminal and sex offender databases. Lastly, mostly all are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid.
Why healing camp for my child/teen?
We assist children and teens to overcome the barriers they face as survivors of abuse to become successful young adults. Without early intervention, child survivors have a high probability to tank their life because they feel broken, worthless, and unlovable. By doing what we can do to intervene, we can make a huge difference in a child’s life. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than perpetuate it.
It is through Sparks of Hope’s Healing Youth Camps® that these children can move from brokenness into wholeness, which encourages healing. It is a lifetime journey of healing for many abuse survivors. Sparks of Hope Healing Youth Camps are centered on assisting the child/teen survivor to heal and reclaim their childhood, their power, and their voice.
Our entire program activities are intended to empower, build trust, self-esteem, and courage in a safe and supportive environment to promote the child’s healing. Most importantly, all children who attend our camp(s) learn they are not alone on their healing journey and that healing is possible!
How safe is camp? What about possible child sexual abuse?
Safety is our main concern with campers. We have a 1:1 camper to Big Buddy ratio with Backup Buddies. Campers are supervised 100% of the time by their Big Buddy, Backup Buddies and our camp support staff. NO child is ever left alone with any adult - EVER. There is always at least two adults present at ALL times with each child. This is our "Safe Community" model. This safety model is maintained in any Sparks of Hope-sanctioned outing or event.
How do I sign my child up for your camp?
Simply reach out to Lee Ann Mead by email at leeann@sparksofhope.org and let her know that you are interested in your child attending our healing camp. Space is limited so your child may be on a wait list to attend. The more volunteers we have, the more kids can attend our camps. We are growing, so please be patient!
