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Burlington County Commissioners Declare First Camp Cardinal ‘Resounding Success’

Twenty children participated in Burlington County’s first-ever day camp for children impacted by substance use disorder.

The Camp Cardinal program at YMCA of the Pines featured traditional camping activities such as shelter building, archery, canoeing, crafts and a ropes course, plus special group sessions focused on building resiliency to stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. (Photo credit: Burlington County)

Burlington County’s first-ever day camp for children impacted by substance use disorder was a resounding success.

Twenty children participated in Camp Cardinal, which was held on Aug. 26 at the YMCA of the Pines. The program featured traditional camping activities such as shelter building, archery, canoeing, crafts, and a ropes course. The children also participated in special group sessions focused on building resiliency to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Elfrieda Francis, Division head with the Burlington County Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division, was among the staff who helped organize Camp Cardinal, a free day camp for children impacted by substance use disorder. Twenty children participated in the first-ever camp on Aug. 26 at the YMCA of the Pines in Medford. (Photo credit: Burlington County)

Staff from the Burlington County Department of Human Services, YMCA of the Pines, and the Traumatic Loss Coalition program ran the camp program.

The name Camp Cardinal was selected because cardinals are said to appear when angels are near and are often associated with loved ones who have passed away. They are considered messengers of love and comfort.

“Burlington County is proud to be a leader in eliminating stigma surrounding substance use disorder and other mental illnesses and we continue to offer support to individuals and families impacted by those challenges,” said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson, the liaison to the Department of Human Services. “Camp Cardinal is part of our comprehensive response and can help address the intergenerational cycle of addiction. The feedback we’ve received has been great and we’re looking forward to growing the program in future years.”

The County Commissioners passed a Resolution in 2021 declaring all of Burlington County to be stigma-free. By eliminating stigma, the Commissioners hope to raise awareness and encourage more residents to seek the help and support needed to overcome their conditions.

  • The Camp Cardinal program at YMCA of the Pines featured traditional camping activities such as shelter building, archery, canoeing, crafts and a ropes course, plus special group sessions focused on building resiliency to stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. (Photo credit: Burlington County)
  • The Camp Cardinal program at YMCA of the Pines featured traditional camping activities such as shelter building, archery, canoeing, crafts and a ropes course, plus special group sessions focused on building resiliency to stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. (Photo credit: Burlington County)

Twenty-seven Burlington County municipalities and 24 school districts have passed their own Resolutions expressing support for the County’s stigma-free campaign.

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