About Our Camps.

One of the main missions of the Safe Haven Project is to find the ways and means to reach out to young people living with HIV or AIDS. One way of acheiving this is through the "Camp Safe Haven" and "Vineyard Project" camp programs. These camp style retreats have occurred annually since Safe Haven's inception.

Camps are hosted on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard each April, and now in North Carolina in August.

Campers attend at no cost to their families due to the kind donations we receive from businesses, foundations, and individuals.

A goal of camp is to connect the campers with a greater community comprised of their peers, our volunteers, and the community around them. Camp is a stigma-free environment that encourages fun, camaraderie, and mutual support.

Those who volunteer at a Camp Safe Haven event quite often describe the experience as "life-changing"; one that has powerful impact on their view of the world, and service.

Our Volunteers
The Safe Haven Project Inc. is a volunteer organization. Without the on-going commitment of the literally hundreds of new volunteers over the years, there would be no Safe Haven Project. Each endeavor requires a litany of people to make it successful.

Camp Counselors
Safe Haven relies upon volunteer efforts in order to staff its camp programs. Counselors range in age from 18 years old and up, and are usually teens who contact us from colleges, high schools, and conferences where Safe Haven has presented a SPEAKOUT presentation.

We select young people who exemplify the ideals of service and have a desire to work with children. Many counselors are planning a career in the medical field, or in the social services. They are asked to dedicate themselves to the entire program week, and a comprehensive training agenda which educates them on HIV and AIDS, Universal Precautions, Conflict resolution, confidentiality, and compassion. Attendance at training, as well as a complete medical and background check are required before a person can become a volunteer.

The Administration of Safe Haven seeks a well rounded group of counselors for each camp, with an eye for special talents, and creative skills. Each camp requires a counseling staff of approximately 50% of the camper attendance total in order to maintain our consistant counselor to camper ratio of approximately 1 : 2, the highest of any program we know of. This highly individualized attention, allows for greater connection with the campers, as well as for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for the counselors.

Click here for more information about volunteering as a counselor.

Junior Counselors
Often we receive requests from young people who are not quite old enough to become full fledged counselors. Safe Haven established a Junior Counselor component for this reason. Former camper alumni and applicants who are 16 1/2 years old may apply for a one year Junior C. slot. (There are two male and two female slots open each session.) These applicants must display maturity, and willingness to be mentored by an adult, experienced counselor. JCs are not in charge of campers or their medical routines, rather they assist the Counseling staff with activity organization, setup, clean up, assitance with younger campers etc. JCs must attend the full training session, and participate in staff meetings.

Nursing Staff

Due to the nature of HIV infection, a round the clock staff of nursing professionals is required to assure the safety of campers and staff. There are a minimum of two on duty Registered Nurses on each 8 hour shift, including overnight. These nurses are volunteers and come to camp from many renowned hospitals in the US. Each camp is held under the direction of Safe Haven's Nursing Coordinator. Local hospitals are also intimately involved in the camp process whenever necessary.

Click here for more information on volunteering as a Nurse.

Community support
Safe Haven camps are unique because, unlike traditional camps where campers generally remain on site and involved in more traditional camp activities, campers at a Safe Haven camp are often immersed in the community around them. (This is especally true of the Martha's Vineyard Camp.) Artists, business leaders, and local community groups all become involved in creating activities and events for the campers to enjoy. There are trips into the community often on a daily basis. These interactions with a loving community help to foster the understanding that these children are accepted for who they are, regardless of their affliction. Most campers consider communities where a Safe Haven camp has been established, to be a safe place for them to return to in the future.