Burlington County will continue its campaign to eliminate stigmas surrounding mental illness and substance abuse with the return of Camp Cardinal, a free program for children impacted by substance use disorder.
Two county-sponsored camp sessions will be held this year at YMCA of the Pines in Medford. The first will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the second on Saturday, Oct. 25, also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration is now open for all eligible participants to attend the June session. Registration for the Oct. 25 camp will open later this summer.
The camp program is run by the county Department of Human Services, along with its Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth and YMCA staff. It is open exclusively to children from 7 to 14 who have suffered a loss due to substance use disorder or been impacted by substance use disorder.
The camp is a space where children can interact and participate in activities such as tie-dying, canoeing, tandem zipline, drum circle and S’mores making, as well as special group sessions devoted to coping skills and building resilience to stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.
The camp is free to eligible children. Transportation is provided and campers receive meals, a book bag, T-shirt, journal and water bottle. Families interested in the program can apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CampCardinal2025. For questions, call (609) 265-5794 or email klogue@co.burlington.nj.us.
