Camp ­St­a­rli­ght

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­Augus­t 29 - September 4, 2009

Camp Starlight is a week-long residential camp that provides children whose lives h­ave been affected by HIV/AIDS the opportunity to enjoy a caring, safe, recreational, spiritual and fun camping experience. Every August since 1999, 65 children ages 5-14 travel to the Oregon Coast to enjoy a week of fun. Camp activities range from arts and crafts, canoeing, swimming, music, carnival, and nature walks, to a sleep-out under the stars. Having fun and developing friendships continues to be the focus of Camp Starlight, but it has now made a subtle shift toward addressing HIV/AIDS and the role it plays in the children's lives. Sixty-five carefully screened volunteers create the environment, serving as supporters, mentors, and role models for the campers.

The objectives of Camp Starlight are:

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  • Provide an inclusive social environment that is free of stigma and shame.
  • Facilitate friendships and a sense of community for the children.
  • Encourage creative expression and self-discovery through programming that includes music, art, drama, and outdoor recreation.
  • Provide the children with a staff of caring mentors who are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.
  • Monitor the children's dietary and drug regimens.
  • Having fun!

"Oh my gosh, it's so great!  Did you know we can talk about HIV now?  I don't have to pretend I have asthma anymore and hide my medications.  I can just say, 'I have HIV and I have to go take my meds.'"
            - Michelle, age 11 (after leaving club med on her first day at camp)

"Camp gives me the secure feeling I'm not alone with dealing with HIV in my life.  It gives me hope."
- Maria, age 14 (on camper evaluation)

More information is available on our camp brochure. For information about becoming a camper, please contact Angie Raffaele-Burns, Camp Starlight Coordinator, at 503.223.5907 ext 3823.

Three documents you need to become a volunteer are:

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please see our volunteer page.

If you have questions about any of the above, contact Alison Frye.