Burlington Review

Burlington County is continuing its fight against the stigmas surrounding mental illness and substance abuse with the return of Camp Cardinal, a free day-camp program for children impacted by substance use disorder. The day camp will take place next month on Saturday, June 15, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at YMCA of the Pines in Medford. Registration is currently open for eligible participants.

The one-day camp program is designed specifically for children aged 7 to 14 who have experienced loss due to substance use disorder or have been affected by substance use disorder within their immediate family. The camp aims to provide a safe environment for children to engage in activities such as shelter building, archery, crafts, rope course and outdoor climbing wall. It also includes special group sessions dedicated to teaching coping skills and building resilience against stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.

The Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Burlington County Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth will administer the program in collaboration with YMCA camp staff. The latter organization is an interactive statewide network of professionals experienced in dealing with mental health issues, suicide prevention, trauma response and resilience enhancement.

Launched last year, the program received positive feedback from participants' parents and guardians. "Substance use disorder is an illness that can be devastating to entire families. It often impacts multiple generations and can leave children vulnerable," said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, the liaison to the Department of Human Services. "Camp Cardinal is designed to help children learn the skills they need to break this intergenerational cycle. Our first camp last year was a big success and now we’re looking to grow the program and reach more children."

The camp is free of charge. Transportation to and from camp is provided along with meals, a bookbag, t-shirt, journal and water bottle.

Families interested in the program can apply online at https://forms.gle/8pH9D2P9nM2CnR8dA. For questions about the program, call 609-265-5794 or email klogue@co.burlington.nj.us.

The Camp Cardinal program is part of Burlington County’s comprehensive response to the opioid and substance use crisis impacting the nation. The County Commissioners have launched a campaign to eliminate all stigmas surrounding substance abuse and mental illness. By eliminating stigma, they hope to increase awareness and encourage residents to seek the help needed to overcome or manage their conditions.

Last month, the Commissioners unveiled Hope One for Youth, a mobile outreach unit specializing in mental health education and services for children and teens. "Burlington County is proud to be a leader in eliminating stigma surrounding substance abuse and other mental illnesses," said Hopson. "Mental illness impacts us all, including children, so it’s important we create programs like Camp Cardinal and Hope One for Youth to help those who are often the most vulnerable."