In late July, 15 young women ages 12-17 attended a fun-filled and educational day camp at Faces of Hope, facilitated by St. Luke’s CARES representatives, the Boise Police Department, and Faces of Hope. The goal of this event, called CHAMP (Children Healing from Abuse with Maximum Potential) Camp is to create healthy futures for youth who have experienced trauma through education and emotional empowerment.
Campers participated in educational groups, highlighting skills such as enhancing self-esteem, effective conflict resolution, goal setting, and healthy relationships. Attendees also participated in field trips to local sites like the Zoo, Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP), and the Idaho Youth Ranch. All activities were managed by CHAMP Camp leadership and other professionals from the community.
When these girls gathered, you could feel the energy in the room. One camper expressed to staff that CHAMP Camp was the most fun she’d had all summer and the most fun she had in the last several summers combined.
All participants were nominated to attend, and all have been impacted by the trauma of family abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence. Coming together in a safe and welcoming environment to allow the youth to build connections and gain skills is the focus of CHAMP Camp.
“It was amazing to see the girls interacting with one another and building friendships,” said Paige Dinger, Executive Director of Faces of Hope and 2022 CHAMP Camp counselor. “They offered advice and support for each other, and it was incredible to be an observer.”
CHAMP Camp was supported by community donations and free of charge for participants. Thank you to our title sponsor, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho. We want to thank some of the local organizations that contributed time and resources to make Champ Camp a success: Idaho Youth Ranch, Tropical Smoothie, Salute Apparel, Courtney Despres, and Rich Williams.
