The Moyer Foundation's Camp Mariposa Program for Youth Impacted by the Substance Abuse of a Family Member

The Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative, Category 2 (Multi-State Mentoring Program) provides funding to support mentoring organizations in their efforts to strengthen and/or expand their existing mentoring activities within local chapters or sub-awardees (in at least 5 states but fewer than 45 states) to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problem and high-risk behaviors. FY 2015 funding will address the factors that can lead to or serve as a catalyst for delinquency or other problem behaviors in underserved youth, including youth in high-risk environments. Programs are encouraged to target their mentoring services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth; children of parents on active military duty; children of incarcerated parents; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth; youth with disabilities; and youth in rural communities. This program is authorized by the FY15(OJJDP Ment. Oppor Yth) Pub. L. No. 113-235; 128 Stat. 2130, 2195.

The Moyer Foundation plans to implement the Camp Mariposa program whose goal is to reduce juvenile delinquency and crime by providing targeted support and mentoring services to children ages 9-12, who have been impacted by the addiction of a family member. The program will offer both group and peer mentoring services in eight states plus Washington D.C., and will serve 1,500 youth during the three-year grant period. The program will prevent and reduce delinquency by delaying onset of the first use of drugs and alcohol; preventing or reducing involvement in the juvenile justice system; increasing knowledge about drugs, alcohol and addiction; connecting program participants with caring and supportive mentors; creating a positive peer support network for program participants; and providing opportunities to participate in pro social activities. The primary vehicle for both group and peer mentoring will be the free weekend camps that are held every other month throughout the year. These weekends will offer traditional camp activities enhanced with educational and therapeutic elements. Camp Mariposa will also provide a safe and supportive environment, allowing participants to connect with caring and trained mentors, as well as other youth facing similar circumstances. Through this funding, Camp Mariposa will provide additional activities and support for both the program participants and mentors in the months in between camp weekends. Camp Mariposa will add quarterly activities for teenagers who have aged out of the weekend camp component as well as develop a Junior Counselor program at all Camp Mariposa locations. All program participants will be evaluated beginning with the initial intake interview and will be continually evaluated throughout the year-long program, as well as, for up to a year after program completion. In addition, two substantive studies will be conducted as part of this grant: 1) an evaluation of the Camp Mariposa model; and 2) a comprehensive study that compares effects and outcomes across delivery with different populations and the additional and/or expanded components. CA/NCF