What is Camp Mariposa?
Camp Mariposa® Everett is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Camps offer fun, traditional camp activities combined with education and support sessions led by mental health professionals and trained adult mentors. Youth and their families are supported throughout the year with additional social support activities.
Who does Camp Mariposa serve?
Camp Mariposa supports youth affected by the substance use of a loved one. Youths (9-12) attend transformational overnight camps up to six times a year. Teens (13-16) attend day camps up to four times a year. Through the support of donors, all program activities are offered free of charge to families. Camp Mariposa Everett is part of Eluna’s national Camp Mariposa network.
Approach to Care
Camp Mariposa is led by Compass Health’s Children’s Intensive Services mental health professionals with support from trained volunteer Mentors.
Using a peer and group mentoring model, Camp Mariposa creates a support community where campers can bond and connect with peers facing similar circumstances. Along with staff, mentors provide campers a positive, fun, supportive, and energetic atmosphere. Together, campers, staff, and mentors participate in activities ranging from hiking, sailing, corn mazes, and more; share meals; and share a cabin with their assigned campers. Mentors also join social support activities with youth and their families between camp sessions.
Are you interested in being a mentor? Email campmariposa@compassh.org to learn more – volunteers must be fingerprinted and commit to attending at least five camp sessions per year.
Goals of Camp Mariposa
Camp Mariposa helps youth and teens build confidence and learn coping skills that help them break the cycle of addiction. Campers bond over a shared experience reducing isolation, shame and guilt.