Camp Mariposa is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use of a family member.
Children and teens attend transformational weekend camps every other month for a year or more. Youth ages 9-12 participate in fun, traditional camp activities combined with education and support sessions led by mental health professionals. Teens are given an opportunity to continue their involvement and build leadership skills as Junior Counselors. Camp Mariposa builds knowledge, life skills, confidence and provides an opportunity for youth to connect with peers and caring adult mentors. Additional social and educational activities are offered for youth, alumni and their families throughout the year. All Camp Mariposa activities are provided free of charge.
Youth who attend Camp Mariposa learn coping skills that build resiliency and ultimately break the cycle of addiction. Eluna partners with youth-focused organizations to offer this award-winning program in communities across the country.
Camp Mariposa is succeeding in breaking the cycle of addiction:
• Connect with friends in similar situations
• Reduce feelings of guilt and isolation
• Learn that addiction is a disease and not their fault
• Develop trusting relationships with adult mentors
• Build confidence and learn critical life skills
• Have fun!
Youth and teens who attend Camp Mariposa find connection, build resiliency and learn important skills to cope with a family member's substance use disorder.
Social Support
Coping Skills
Positive Outlook
Eluna strives to intervene early and break the cycle of addiction.
9.2 million children in the US live in a home with at least one parent who uses illicit drugs.
Every day, more than 21,000 individuals ages 12 and over try drugs and alcohol for the first time.
Youth who began using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly 7 times more likely to develop a substance problem than those who delay first use until age 21 or older.
Mentoring is one key to the success of the Camp Mariposa program. Youth develop trusting relationships with both trained adult mentors and teen mentors who have successfully graduated from Camp Mariposa. Through these mentoring relationships, youth develop social skills and a stronger support network that can benefit them throughout their lives.
Mindfulness activities such as deep breathing stretching/movement yoga and wilderness hikes are incorporated into Camp Mariposa weekends. Through these activities, youth learn a critical coping skill that can be used to manage difficult emotions and stress.
Camp Mariposa offers additional social and recreational activities throughout the year. Outings to sporting events and amusement parks provide youth, their families and mentors an opportunity to connect and have fun. Camp Mariposa alumni and teen mentors also attend similar activities where they reunite with friends and gain support during the often-challenging teen years.
For camp dates, location, and contact information, click the dot on the map nearest you or your state name below. To register or for questions, please contact the camp partner listed. Camp Mariposa is offered free of charge to all families. We look forward to seeing you at Camp Mariposa!
If you are a youth focused or mental health organization interested in bringing the Camp Mariposa program to your community, please contact us to learn more about a partnership with Eluna. If you are 18 years old and older interested in becoming at mentor, please contact the location closest to you.