Plunge into a crystal clear lake... saddle up and ride off into the sunset... explore your creativity with an inspiring selection of arts and crafts... or just sit back and soak up the glories of nature - all at a place called Hope. Sponsored by Project ARK, Camp Hope is dedicated to giving children living with HIV-AIDS and their families a wonderful weekend of summer fun.

Camp HOPE is a weekend long camp for HIV-infected children and their families. The camp is held at the Trout Lodge, YMCA of the Ozarks, in Potosi, Missouri. Came HOPE is the only camp in the St. Louis metropolitan area and outstate Missouri region specifically designated for children living with HIV/AIDS.

Camp HOPE strives to provide HIV-infected children and their families with a respite to the daily stresses associated with living with HIV/AIDS and an opportunity to build stronger relationships with other families to provide ongoing support. During the camp, the families are able to enjoy a weekend filled with fun, compassion, camaraderie and education with other families who are experiencing the same concerns and challenges.

Bus transportation is provided to Trout Lodge as many of our families have limited personal transportation resources. Upon arrival, the families attend a brief orientation, meet the volunteer staff and then begin to enjoy scheduled events planned by Project ARK in addition to the activities offered by Trout Lodge (horseback riding, pontoon and paddle boats).

One of the special features of camp includes the involvement of the pediatric Infectious Disease Team through St. Louis Children’s Hospital & Washington University School of Medicine.  Staff volunteer their time at camp to provide quality services to the families that attend.  Professionals include our physicians, a nurse, social worker, psychologist, child life specialist and nutritionist. The camp curriculum is carefully developed by child development experts & staff of Trout Lodge, YMCA of the Ozarks! 

Although the children's portion of the camp is 100% fun, the parent/care-givers attend an educational update during the camp each year. For example, the focus of the parent/care-givers meeting for Camp HOPE 2007 centered on medical updates and also included a special presentation for parents on “"Surviving your child's adolescence. 

Approximately 24-30 families attend camp each year. Camp Hope is open to children living with HIV & their families as well as families affected by HIV/AIDS. 
 
Thanks to all of the fantastic volunteers that make Camp Hope possible!

For more information about Camp HOPE, contact:

Aimee Nolan (nolan_a@kids.wustl.edu) or 314-362-6260 
Kelly Nolan (nolan_k@kids.wustl.edu) or at 314-454-6210 
Stacey Slovacek (Slovacek_s@kids.wustl.edu) at 314-757-7275