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JFCS' Camp Mariposa Welcomes Back Campers JFCS' Camp Mariposa Welcomes Back Campers After Operating Virtually for 13 Months Contact Name: Nicole Brown Contact Email: NBrown@JFCS-Cares.org Contact Phone Number: 9412810520 JFCS of the Suncoast’s Camp Mariposa® Sarasota is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth ages 9 to 17 who are affected by a family member’s substance use disorder. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled JFCS to temporarily offer numerous programs and services virtually. This included Camp Mariposa, which started hosting remotely weekly teen support groups and youth and teen counseling sessions. Financial assistance, case management, and emotional support were also offered during weekly calls with parents and caregivers. “Camp Mariposa is a life changer for the youth who participate,” said Arthur Lerman, JFCS President/CEO. “When COVID hit, it was very important that we figure out a way to continue to provide support to the campers and we did. The creativity and determination of our staff was inspiring.” The first virtual weekend camp for youth ages 9 to 13 was held in the summer of 2020. Youth received activity baskets, which included an activity schedule, games, art materials and snacks, and participated in letter writing exercises and physical challenges on Zoom. By the fall, virtual camp weekends were being held for both youth and teens. In April, Camp Mariposa welcomed 26 youth back to a COVID-19 safe environment after operating virtually for 13 months. Campers engaged in outdoor challenges, team building exercises and emotional and psychological support activities such as resilience education, mindfulness and creative arts expression. One of the campers stated, “Camp is my safe place; it is full of accepting and understanding people that listen to you when you talk and give you a shoulder to cry on.” Camp Mariposa held a graduation for youth entering its teen program, in May, and hosted its first overnight camp in June. “Returning to in-person camp reminds me that Camp Mariposa youth are deeply committed to each other and to breaking generational patterns of addiction,” stated Jeanette Altman, Camp Mariposa Program Coordinator. “Our youth are resilient and have once again “bounced back” from hardship by learning how to make good choices, communicate their feelings and celebrate themselves and each other. We are excited to continue the good work of removing the stigma surrounding a family member’s substance use disorder while simultaneously increasing mental health awareness.” Camp Mariposa® Sarasota was created and is sustained in part by Eluna, formerly known as The Moyer Foundation. It is offered free of charge to participating youth and families. The majority of funding is provided by the generosity of JFCS donors who are moved by the impact the program has on the youth who participate. Since its 2012 opening, Camp Mariposa has supported 246 youth campers in various capacities. About Eluna Eluna was started in 2000 and was originally called “The Moyer Foundation”. Its mission is to support children and families in the United States and Canada impacted by grief and addiction and provide innovative resources and programs. To learn more about Eluna, please visit https://elunanetwork.org. About JFCS About Jewish Family and Children’s Service: Celebrating its 35th year as one of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, JFCS offers programs that support youth, families, seniors and veterans. Services are delivered regardless of religious preference and are inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people with the goal of empowering individuals and families to self-sufficiency and stability. For more information, visit https://JFCS-Cares.org/ or call (941) 366-2224.