Camp HOPE America is a nationally recognized camping and mentoring program designed for children and teenagers impacted by domestic violence. In Guilford County, N.C., Camp HOPE offers a weeklong, overnight summer program that helps campers develop confidence, set goals, and envision a future beyond the trauma they have experienced through evidence-based curricula and the "Science of Hope."
Irene Massey, Manager of Charlotte-Mecklenburg's Survivor Resource Center, has been connecting Safe Alliance and the Charlotte community with Guilford County's Camp HOPE for the past eight years. Before Safe Alliance, Irene worked in pediatric administration.
"I love kids, and watching the campers smile, laugh, build friendships, and realize they're stronger than what they've been through is one of the most rewarding parts of my work," she says.
Camp HOPE has a tremendous impact on the youth it serves, helping them process their trauma and move forward. Every child deserves the chance to know they are supported and capable of a bright future
A Day in the Life
At 7:30 a.m., all campers meet for Flagpole (a morning meeting). Next, there is breakfast and the first session of activities: arts and crafts, archery, rock climbing, and ropes courses.
Everything is challenge-by-choice. Campers participate at their own comfort level and receive encouragement from their peers.
"Nobody makes a camper do anything," Irene says. "The kids come together and say things like 'You can do this!' and 'We believe in you!'". The challenge-by-choice philosophy encourages youth to stretch beyond their comfort zones without pressure or fear of failure."
After lunch, the campers rest and work on their Hope Story with their cabin cohort. Hope Stories introduce campers to a real person who has experienced adversity or trauma and found the strength to heal, grow, and move forward. Many of the stories reflect challenges that may be similar to the children's experiences, showing them that they are not alone.
In their cohorts, the campers participate in guided discussions that encourage them to express their thoughts and ask questions. The conversations continue each evening at campfire. Everyone comes together to reflect on the day and encourage one another.
All Year Long
The camp experience is not over when the kids leave their cabins behind. Through an initiative known as Pathways, mentors keep youth programming active throughout the year, ensuring campers stay connected to the supportive community they built. This helps the youth continue to grow their confidence, hope, and resiliency.
Using the momentum from camp, the Pathways program creates hope and healing through year-round group mentorship opportunities. There are monthly events, from crafts to sports to life skills activities.
"Everyone gets a lot out of it. It's a growth experience," Irene says. During these months, youth build relationships with trained mentors, like Irene, who provide consistency and positive expectations long after the summer camp experience ends.
Pathways also includes a 30-day reunion to get the campers back together. During this time, their mentors check in to discuss camp, back to school, and trauma progress.
Uplifting Charlotte with The Umbrella Center
Currently, North Carolina's Camp HOPE and Pathways are organized and hosted by the Guilford County Family Justice Center in Greensboro. In Charlotte, Irene extends the mission, hosting Pathways events.
Through referrals from the Survivor Resource Center's partner organizations, Irene continues to expand the program's reach, ensuring more children and families have access to these meaningful opportunities. As the program grows, she is excited by the possibilities that come with the new Charlotte-based family justice center.
Set to open next summer, The Umbrella Center will be a "one-stop shop" for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and child maltreatment. Survivors will receive coordinated care and access to onsite services, including healthcare clinics, legal support, and law enforcement.
When The Umbrella Center opens, Irene plans to use its resources to champion youth.
"I want to get out in the community and make connections to help kids," she says.
A Message for the Community
How can the community support The Umbrella Center and Charlotte youth?
Donations are a big way to help. Any craft supplies, games, activities, or sports equipment would be appreciated by the kids and mentors.
"The trauma is unreal and anything hopeful is amazing," Irene says. Eventually, Irene wants to partner with community organizations, giving youth access to classes, events, and sporting events they normally would not be able to attend.
Financial contributions and volunteer support are also welcome.
"The trauma these young people experienced is often unimaginable, " Irene says. "Our goal is to surround them with hope, positive experiences, and caring adults who remind them that their future is bigger than what they've been through."
