In a time of uncertainty and fear — as the past year most certainly has been — we want more than ever to gather with those who love and support us. Camp Starlight was created to offer just that: a caring, safe, spiritual and FUN camp experience for children whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. Camp Starlight provides a wide range of activities during free week-long sleepaway camp for children ages 4 to 14. About 50 kids get the joy of summer camp — horseback riding, ziplining, swimming and more — in an environment free from stigma and full of love.
“[I felt] happy while I was here. Sad to leave.” - camper, age 5
Our campers’ day-to-day lives are burdened not only by the stress and stigma associated with this disease, but also with challenges associated with all forms of prejudice and discrimination — homophobia and transphobia, poverty and classism, and racism. Camp Starlight is welcoming and restorative for all its campers, and they are sent home with school supplies, clothes and other necessities, and reminders that they are not alone. If you'd like to support camp by purchasing supplies, visit our website for a list of items we need.
“It made me feel [I] belong, like I was at home.” - camper, age 12
More than 1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and tens of thousands are newly diagnosed each year. HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on certain populations, particularly non-white racial and ethnic groups, and gay and bisexual men. Interest in Camp Starlight grows each year, and without adequate funding, we will, for the first time in 22 years, be forced to turn away families who wish to send their children to camp in 2021.
“It helps me understand that nobody is alone.” - former camper and counselor-in-training, age 15
Camp Starlight is 100% volunteer-run and free for campers to attend; all donations go directly to making camp magic happen. With the social justice and public health crises in 2020, we put our fundraising on hold. We held virtual camp in August 2020 (via videos online and contactless deliveries of supplies to campers’ homes) and will do so again in 2021. We are raising the funds to cover the cost of supplies for virtual camp this year, and for in-person camp in 2022 and beyond.
Camp Starlight is a 501c3 organization (EIN 46-2026430).