Exploring Summer Camps for Foster and Kinship Families
Summer isn’t just a break from school—it’s a powerful opportunity for healing, connection, and joy, especially for foster and kinship families. For children who’ve experienced instability or trauma, summer camps can offer more than just fun in the sun; they create safe, supportive spaces where kids can build confidence, develop friendships, and just be kids. For caregivers, they provide much-needed respite and a sense of community. At Expressions of Hope, we believe these experiences are essential, and we’re here to help families make the most of them.
Why Summer Camps Matter for Foster and Kinship Families
For children in foster and kinship care, summer camps provide more than recreation—they offer a bridge to healing and personal growth. Many of these children have faced disruptions in their development due to trauma, instability, or loss. Camps designed with their unique needs in mind create an environment where they can thrive socially, emotionally, and physically. Activities like hiking, crafting, storytelling, and team games provide structure, spark curiosity, and reinforce a sense of safety and belonging—elements essential to building resilience.
Chance to Be a Kid
One of the most meaningful aspects of camp for children in care is the chance to be kids simply. Away from the stressors of home or past experiences, they can engage in play and discovery without judgment or pressure. This sense of normalcy is crucial. It allows children to laugh freely, form friendships, and test their capabilities in ways that feel both empowering and joyful. Many camps also offer routines and clear expectations, which help foster a sense of security that may be missing from other areas of a child’s life.
Relationship Building
Camps also serve as a unique space for relationship-building. For foster and kinship families, especially those still navigating new dynamics, these shared experiences can strengthen trust and connection. Whether it’s through a family canoe trip or participating in a group challenge, children and caregivers grow together. The neutral setting of a camp often provides opportunities for more open communication, allowing caregivers to better understand their child’s needs and for children to feel supported in return.
Feel Seen and Valued
Moreover, summer camps that are trauma-informed and inclusive can help children feel seen and valued. Staff trained to recognize signs of trauma or emotional distress can respond with empathy and tools that support regulation and growth. Peer interactions with other children from similar backgrounds also remind participants that they’re not alone in their experiences. This peer support can reduce shame and foster a sense of community that many foster and kinship youth deeply need.
Meet Children Where They Are
Ultimately, summer camps are powerful in their ability to meet children where they are and gently guide them toward hope and healing. For foster and kinship families, they’re not a luxury—they’re an essential part of building brighter futures.
Unique Features of Summer Camps Designed for Foster and Kinship Families
Unlike traditional camps, summer programs created specifically for foster and kinship families are intentionally designed with sensitivity, structure, and emotional support at their core. These camps acknowledge the complexities many children and caregivers bring with them—experiences of trauma, loss, identity shifts, and new family dynamics. As a result, the programming, staffing, and culture of these camps are thoughtfully crafted to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages both individual growth and family connection.
1. Staff
One of the most important features of these camps is the presence of trauma-informed staff. From counselors and activity leaders to kitchen workers and medical teams, everyone is trained to recognize the signs of trauma and respond in a way that supports regulation, safety, and dignity. This means understanding behaviors as communication, knowing how to de-escalate emotional distress with compassion, and creating environments where children feel seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. It also means anticipating challenges—like homesickness, anxiety, or emotional triggers—and having the tools to help children work through them.
2. Camp Structure
Another key element is the camp structure itself. These camps typically maintain smaller group sizes and higher staff-to-child ratios to ensure every child gets the attention they need. The schedule is predictable and clearly communicated, often with visual aids or verbal reminders, which can be especially helpful for children who struggle with transitions or unexpected changes. Sensory-friendly spaces and calming activities—like yoga, art, or quiet nature walks—are also commonly included to give children time and space to regulate when needed.
3. Inclusivity
Inclusivity is another cornerstone of camps designed for foster and kinship families. These camps celebrate diverse family structures and backgrounds, welcoming children and caregivers from all walks of life. Cultural responsiveness is a priority, with programming that honors different languages, traditions, and identities. For children navigating complex family histories or identity questions, this can be incredibly affirming. It reassures them that they are not alone—and that their experiences matter.
4. Therapeutic Elements
Some camps go even further by incorporating therapeutic elements into the experience. This might include group sessions led by licensed therapists, expressive arts and journaling opportunities, or even one-on-one counseling available during the camp week. These features aren’t designed to be clinical or intrusive but are seamlessly woven into the fabric of camp life. For children and caregivers alike, this gentle support can lead to breakthroughs in trust, healing, and understanding—all while still enjoying a summer full of fun and adventure.
5. Full Humanity
Ultimately, what sets these camps apart is their commitment to honoring the full humanity of every participant. They’re not just places to play—they’re places to connect, recover, and grow in a community that truly understands.
Benefits for Caregivers
While much of the focus around summer camps centers on the benefits for children, caregivers in foster and kinship families also experience meaningful and often much-needed support from these programs. Caring for children who have experienced trauma, separation, or instability can be emotionally demanding. Summer camps designed with these families in mind recognize that caregivers need rest, encouragement, and connection too.
One of the most immediate benefits is respite. Many camps offer day-long or overnight experiences for children, giving caregivers a break from the daily responsibilities of parenting. For foster and kinship caregivers, whose roles often include managing behavioral challenges, coordinating with social workers, and navigating complex family systems, this break can be a crucial opportunity to recharge. Having dedicated time to rest, reflect, or focus on self-care helps caregivers return to their roles with renewed energy and emotional capacity.
In addition to respite, many camps offer programming specifically for caregivers. These might include workshops on trauma-informed parenting, support groups led by licensed professionals, or informal gatherings with other foster and kinship parents. These shared spaces create room for learning, validation, and encouragement. When caregivers are given tools to deepen their understanding of trauma, attachment, and healing, they’re better equipped to support their children in the long term.
Connection is another powerful benefit. Caregivers often report feeling isolated or misunderstood, especially when friends or extended family don’t grasp the complexities of foster or kinship care. Camps bring together families navigating similar paths, fostering a sense of solidarity. Relationships built at camp—whether with staff, mentors, or other families—can become lifelines, offering ongoing encouragement and shared wisdom beyond the summer months.
Finally, camps often provide an opportunity for caregivers to witness their children in a new light. Away from the routines and stressors of daily life, children may open up, take healthy risks, or show growth in ways caregivers haven’t seen before. Observing this progress can be deeply affirming for caregivers, reminding them that their efforts are making a difference. In this way, summer camps support the caregiver-child bond, not just by offering rest, but by helping to rekindle joy, hope, and connection in the family dynamic.
What to Look for in a Camp Program
Choosing the right summer camp for a foster or kinship family isn’t just about picking the one with the best activities or the closest location—it’s about finding a program that understands and supports the unique needs of your family. A well-matched camp can foster healing, connection, and confidence for both children and caregivers. Here are several key qualities to consider when evaluating a camp program.
Low Child-to-Staff Ratios
Smaller group sizes allow staff to build stronger relationships with each camper and better respond to individual needs. A low child-to-staff ratio ensures that no child falls through the cracks and that supervision is attentive and supportive. This is especially important for children who may struggle with trust or regulation and need a little more guidance and reassurance to feel secure.
Accessible Financial Options
Many foster and kinship families operate under tight budgets, and cost should never be a barrier to a child’s participation in a meaningful camp experience. Look for camps that offer scholarships, sliding scale fees, or accept third-party funding (such as through child welfare agencies). Organizations that serve these families often advocate for accessibility and are happy to walk caregivers through the financial aid process.
Culturally and Developmentally Responsive Programming
The best camps not only acknowledge cultural diversity but actively celebrate it. This means having programming that is inclusive of different languages, traditions, family structures, and identities. Likewise, look for a program that offers a variety of activities tailored to different ages and developmental stages. Children should feel that the programming is built with their needs and interests in mind, not simply adapted from a generic model.
Opportunities for Family Participation and Connection
Some camps are designed just for kids, while others invite whole families to participate. Both models have value, but it’s important to understand what’s being offered. Camps that include family sessions or caregiver workshops can provide opportunities for bonding and shared learning. These moments of connection can be especially powerful in strengthening the caregiver-child relationship.
In the end, the right camp should feel like an extension of the support network every foster or kinship family deserves—safe, welcoming, and attuned to the whole child and family unit. Asking thoughtful questions, reading testimonials, and speaking to camp staff directly can help ensure the program aligns with your family’s goals and values.
Conclusion
Summer camps designed for foster and kinship families offer more than just a fun escape—they create space for healing, connection, and growth. With trauma-informed staff, inclusive programming, and supportive resources for both children and caregivers, these camps can be a transformative part of a family’s journey. At Expressions of Hope, we believe every child deserves joyful, affirming experiences, and every caregiver deserves the support to thrive. If you’re considering a camp this summer, know that the right program can be a powerful step toward building stronger, more connected families.
Here at Expressions of Hope, we are determined to provide care and resources to foster/adoptive families in need. If you have any questions or wish to get in touch with someone from our dedicated team, please do not hesitate to contact us.