LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A week away at summer camp can create a lifetime of difference for kids in central Arkansas who have experienced abuse.
Camp Hope is the only camp in the nation solely for kids who are victims of domestic and sexual abuse. This is the first year the camp has taken place in Arkansas. It’s intent is all in the name: to create a sense of hope in the hearts of kids who attend.
According to advocacy group Women and Children First, Arkansas kids experience a higher rate of trauma compared to kids across the country. Those kids are then far more likely to do drugs or wind up in jail. It’s that vicious cycle Camp Hope aims to break.
We met seven year old Tyranny at Camp Hope’s undisclosed central Arkansas location. Full of giggles and with a sunny disposition, you’d never know she’d ever endured any sort of trauma.
“These are kids who don’t usually get to do these types of things,” explained counselor Eboni Wells, who also works with Women and Children First. “We have had some kids who were shut off at first, but now they’re in the group talking and laughing.”
In just a couple of days Wells says she’s already seen Tyranny grow.
Activities like arts and crafts don’t just create souvenirs for campers to take home. They foster a sense of hope that carries on long after they go home.
“My dreams can come true,” Tyranny told us.
Camp Hope wraps up at the end of this week. Campers will continue to be part of a mentoring program, however, and counselors will continue to keep tabs on them throughout the year.
