Burlington County continues to lead the way in supporting families affected by substance use disorders with the return of Camp Cardinal, a free therapeutic day camp dedicated to helping children heal, grow, and build resilience. Now in its third year, this transformative program is more than just a day of outdoor fun — it’s a powerful step toward breaking cycles of trauma and creating a brighter future for the next generation.
What Is Camp Cardinal?
Camp Cardinal is a day-long, no-cost experience for children between the ages of 7 and 14 who have been impacted by substance use disorder — whether through personal loss, a loved one’s addiction, or exposure to the challenges addiction brings into a home. Sponsored by the Burlington County Board of Commissioners, the program offers a nurturing, stigma-free space where kids can connect with peers who understand their experiences, all while participating in meaningful, confidence-building activities.
This year, two Camp Cardinal sessions are scheduled at the serene YMCA of the Pines in Medford:
- Saturday, June 14, from 9 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday, October 25, from 9 AM to 3 PM
Registration is currently open for the June session, with October registration set to open later this summer.
Healing Through Connection, Nature, and Fun
The camp combines traditional summer camp fun with important therapeutic elements. Children will enjoy hands-on experiences like:
- Tie-dying
- Canoeing
- Tandem ziplining
- Drum circles
- S’mores by the fire
In addition to these activities, Camp Cardinal offers guided sessions focused on developing emotional coping skills and strengthening mental wellness. These include interactive discussions and exercises on managing anxiety, building self-confidence, and processing grief or trauma in healthy ways.
Each participant receives:
- Free round-trip transportation
- Meals throughout the day
- A backpack, journal, t-shirt, and water bottle to take home
A Community United Against Stigma
Camp Cardinal is a vital part of Burlington County’s broader initiative to confront the mental health and substance use crisis head-on. The program is operated by the Burlington County Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth and YMCA camp staff.
“Our first two years of Camp Cardinal were incredibly successful,” said Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “This camp is about helping children not just cope, but thrive. It’s about breaking the cycle for the next generation.”
The county’s campaign also includes impactful programs like Hope One for Youth, a mobile outreach unit that provides mental health and substance use education directly to children and teens across the region. This spring, the Commissioners committed $200,000 from Burlington County’s opioid settlement funds to launch or support substance abuse prevention efforts in each of the county’s 40 towns.
“In Burlington County, we’re doing everything we can to support families and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “Programs like Camp Cardinal truly make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children.”
How to Register
Families interested in enrolling their children in the June 14 session can do so by visiting the Camp Cardinal registration form. For additional information, contact the Burlington County Department of Human Services at 609-265-5794 or email klogue@co.burlington.nj.us.
More Stories That Inspire Hope
Explore more stories and initiatives focused on healing, resilience, and mental health support across the state by visiting our dedicated section: The Humane State – Explore New Jersey.
