Camp Hometown Heroes

Healing Hearts, Restoring Hope

Rooted in trauma-informed care, Camp Hometown Heroes offers a safe and nurturing environment where children can process grief, build friendships and rediscover joy through play, therapy and bonding activities.

Many return year after year, finding comfort in familiar faces, trusted mentors and rituals that honor their loved ones.

The Roots and Mission of Camp Hometown Heroes

Since 2013, Camp Hometown Heroes has welcomed children ages 7–17 from across the United States to a free weeklong healing-centered summer camp experience where healing, connection and hope take root after the loss of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

These courageous young people embody the truth that “freedom is not free.” Our camp exists to honor their loss, support their emotional well-being and surround them with a community that understands their unique journey.

Approach

Guided by trauma-informed care, our staff prioritize emotional and physical safety, consistency and trust-building. Children participate in daily mental-wellness programming designed to help them:

Process grief in healthy, age-appropriate ways.
Experience meaningful moments of hope and resilience.
Provide daily trauma-informed mental wellness sessions.
Build coping, confidence and leadership skills.
Form lifelong friendships with peers who have similar life experiences.
Engage in recreational activities that bring joy and connection.

Our team specializes in emotional and behavioral health, childhood trauma, social work and youth development.

Camp Hometown Heroes campers flexing, building confidence and friendships in a supportive environment.

Camp Hometown Heroes incorporates meaningful traditions that honor loved ones and support emotional healing, including:

Tree Planting Ceremony

A symbolic ritual where campers plant a tree in memory of their fallen hero — a moment of reflection, remembrance and strength.

Heroes Wall

A cherished space where campers display photos of their loved ones, creating a shared tribute and a sense of connection.

Camp Hometown Heroes camper releasing a butterfly symbolizing transformation and renewed hope.

Butterfly Release

On the final evening, campers release butterflies — a symbol of transformation and renewed hope.

Candlelit ceremony at Camp Hometown Heroes honoring fallen heroes and providing emotional healing.

Honor Ceremony

Campers walk a candlelit path carrying a candle with their hero’s name, honoring their loved one through reflection, song and courage.

Camp Hometown Heroes counselors and campers holding a tree planting tribute, symbolizing remembrance and healing.

Healing Arts & Reflection Activities

Hands-on art and journaling experiences enable campers to explore their emotions, practice gratitude and express themselves freely.

Golden quote symbol for Camp Hometown Heroes testimonials

Camp made me realize I am no longer alone in my sadness and that I am not the only one in this world who feels the way I do.

Impact

The emotional tools gained here—resilience, coping skills, trust-building, and community support, follow campers home, into school, into young adulthood, and into the lives they build for themselves.

These children deserve more than a safe space to grieve; they deserve opportunities to thrive, dream and believe in a future shaped by hope rather than hardship. Camp Hometown Heroes helps turn that possibility into reality by offering continuity of care, leadership pathways, peer support systems and a compassionate community that walks beside each child long after camp ends.

Camp Hometown Heroes campers smiling and connecting, fostering community and resilience.

Camp Hometown Heroes campers celebrating friendship and resilience through joyful connection.

Your support ensures that this transformative experience remains accessible for every young person who needs it, today, tomorrow and for the next generation of military families.

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VOLUNTEER

Camp Hometown Heroes Programs

Camp Hometown Heroes offers a variety of programs designed to support grieving children and adolescents who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. These programs are rooted in trauma-informed care, providing a safe and nurturing environment for healing and connection.

The core of the camp experience is a weeklong summer program that focuses on emotional and behavioral health, childhood trauma, and youth development. Through structured activities, therapeutic interventions, and peer support, campers learn to process their grief, build resilience, and foster hope for the future.

How to Get Involved with Camp Hometown Heroes

There are several ways individuals and organizations can contribute to the mission of Camp Hometown Heroes. Your involvement directly impacts the lives of children who have experienced profound loss, offering them a chance to heal and connect.

Opportunities include making a financial donation to support the camp's operational costs and ensure it remains free for all eligible children. Volunteering your time and skills is another crucial way to get involved, assisting with camp activities, mentoring, or administrative tasks. Corporate partnerships are also welcomed to expand the camp's reach and impact.

The Power of Humans: Our Mission

Power of Humans is the organization behind Camp Hometown Heroes, dedicated to creating a unified force for good by supporting children and families facing adversity. Our overarching mission is to foster resilience, healing, and hope in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.

Through initiatives like Camp Hometown Heroes, Camp Reunite, and the Kids2Kids Toy Drive, Power of Humans strives to provide essential resources and support systems. We believe in the inherent strength of individuals and aim to empower them to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Camp Hometown Heroes Testimonials

The profound impact of Camp Hometown Heroes is best illustrated through the heartfelt experiences shared by its campers and their families. These testimonials highlight the transformative power of the camp's supportive environment and its ability to foster healing and connection.

Campers often express feelings of relief from isolation, finding solace in a community that understands their unique grief journey. They speak of rediscovering joy, building lasting friendships, and gaining essential coping skills that extend far beyond the week at camp, enabling them to navigate life with renewed hope and resilience.