Camp Benedict

A Camp For Families Infected and Affected by HIV (The only camp like this in the US)

Camp Benedict has been around for 24 years. It is a camp for families infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS virus, unique in what it does and the way we do it. Camp Benedict is the only camp like it in the US, where we offer a Family Camp for those infected and affected by HIV at no cost to those who attend.
 

Camp Benedict is an Educational/Recreational Camp. We use team building skills, group settings, fun activities and more to create a loving atmosphere that has time and again changed lives and saved lives.  The camp itself is a work of love for all who attend, with educational classes for the adults and age appropriate education and activities for the children. Speakers cover such topics as the latest in medications, stigma, self-esteem, counseling, health concerns, physical exercise, and more. Mid week we offer a Men's Group and a Women's Group with relevant topics.  Beyond that, there is time to enjoy the beautiful camp with horse back riding, archery, water sports, campfires, and pontoon rides.

The campers are of all ages, race and sexual orientation who have one thing in common, the HIV/AIDS virus. Campers are welcome to bring family members or a close friend to provide a feeling of stability and comfort while they learn. This family experience helps the extended family learn and understand more about the virus. Every year brings new campers of all ages, new stories - and more changed lives. We see first hand that camp not only changes lives - but also save lives. It is an amazing week of acceptance, no matter where you are at. Our mission gives preference to the newly diagnosed and first time attendees - we want everyone to have a chance to experience Camp Benedict. 

Camp Benedict costs $25,000 a year. $23,000 of that is for the camp itself, the rest is for advertising materials (brochures, etc..) as well as any extras for camp such as craft projects and take home bags for the men and women's groups (journals, pens, Kleenex, etc...) Thankfully to date, a generous grant has covered a portion of camp to assist us each year, however, this is not a guarantee.

Our Board is 100% volunteer. No money is used to pay us for what we do - we do it because we have all seen first hand what camp can do for those who attend.  It is indeed a work of love.

Please check out our website at campbenedict.org where you can read more about our mission, see pictures of camp and read testimonies from those who have attended. You will also find a contact area if there are any questions you may have that we have not addressed here. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please share our story so we can reach more people.