Burlington Review

Camp Cardinal, a free one-day camp program for Burlington County children impacted by substance use disorder, is expanding to a second session scheduled for August 24. The Burlington County Commissioners announced the expansion this week, noting that the additional day will provide more opportunities for children to develop friendships and coping skills. It will also accommodate those who were unable to attend the first session on June 15.

The camp is designed for children ages 7 to 14 who have experienced loss due to substance use disorder or have been affected by it within their immediate family. Funded through Burlington County’s share of the opioid settlement, the camp aims to support at-risk children.

“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. “Burlington County provides the tools and support for individuals and families to recover and the skills that at-risk children need to break the intergenerational cycle. Camp Cardinal is one of those tools and we are excited to expand the program so that more children have the opportunity to benefit from it.”

The second session will take place from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the YMCA of the Pines in Medford. Activities include shelter building, archery, arts and crafts, rope courses, and climbing walls. Special group sessions will focus on teaching coping skills and building resilience against stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

The camp is free of charge, with transportation provided along with meals, a bookbag, t-shirt, journal, and water bottle. A dozen children attended the first session in June; they are eligible to return alongside new participants.

Families interested in registering can do so online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCCampCardinalAug2024 or contact 609-265-5794 or email klogue@co.burlington.nj.us for more information.

Camp Cardinal is part of Burlington County’s broader response to the opioid crisis. This includes declaring all of Burlington County stigma-free through a resolution by County Commissioners and launching campaigns to dispel misconceptions about substance use disorder.

Earlier this year, Commissioners approved Hope One for Youth—a mobile outreach unit specializing in mental health and substance use prevention services targeted at children and teens. Staffed by specialists from various county departments and alliances, Hope One for Youth visits schools, youth groups, houses of worship, and community events.

“Burlington County is proud to be a leader in the fight against the opioid epidemic. We’re making a difference one life at a time,” Hopson stated. “We make resources and support available and send a message that substance use disorder is a disease that can be beaten.”