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Camp Mariposa-Indianapolis:
Aaron's Place

A place where kids transform

about the camp

Camp Mariposa-Indianapolis: Aaron’s Place is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Children and teens attend transformational weekend camps six times a year. Youth ages 9-12 participate in fun, traditional camp activities combined with educational and support sessions led by mental health professionals and trained adult mentors. Teens are given a unique opportunity to continue their involvement in Camp Mariposa-Indianapolis: Aaron’s Place through a Junior Counselor program as well as other activities for teens/alumni. We provide a safe and supportive environment where youth can connect with peers and caring adult mentors. At weekend camps, youth build confidence, learn coping skills that help them break the cycle of addiction. Additional social activities are offered for youth, alumni and their families throughout the year. All Camp Mariposa-Indianapolis: Aaron’s Place activities are provided free of charge. This award-winning program is offered in partnership with youth-focused organizations in communities across the country.

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See all photos from Camp Mariposa-Indianapolis 2021

Photo Album
Seth cannot stop talking about what an amazing time he had. He met many new friends and had many new experiences.”
Aaron's Place camper's Mom
I want to stay at Camp Mariposa forever
Aaron's Place camper
Camp Mariposa has helped me understand that my family’s addiction is not my fault
camper, 12
Camp helps me learn that I’m not alone in this situation. I can connect with kids my age who understand and relate to what I’ve been going through.
camper, 12
Camp Mariposa has helped me become more self-confident and happy.
camper, 10
Camp helped me realize there is always somebody to talk to and always someone to be your hero. We also have fun too. It’s like a get-away weekend with people who understand you.
camper, 12
Camp is amazing. It helps me feel seen and heard. Camp is full of fun times and learning opportunities. Campers and mentors are always there to listen to you.
camper, 12
Camp is amazing. It helps me feel seen and heard. Camp is full of fun times and learning opportunities. Campers and mentors are always there to listen to you.
camper, 12
Camp helped me make new friends. It helps me cope with my anger by teaching me coping skills.
camper, 10
I like how I get to talk to my camp friends at Camp Mariposa. I like the Letter to Addiction because I get to write my thoughts about addiction. When I get to burn the letter (in the camp fire), it feels like I am letting go of all the things I was holding in.
camper, 13
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2021 CAMP DATES

  • May 21–23
  • July 23–25
  • September 10–12
  • October 22–24
  • December 10–12
  • February 2022

Camp is held 6 times a year, Friday through Sunday.

During the other months of the year, thecampers are invited to participate in family and/or caregiver activities. All of the program activities are free of charge.

Location: Indianapolis. Transportation available upon request.

We still have room for more campers, please share this program with a family that can benefit!

ODL understands that every family is different in many different ways. While the camp experience is provided at no-cost to participate, we understand that not everyone is in a position to be able to allocate resources toward supplies that might be perceived as necessary for camp.

We do not want there to be any barriers for children to participate, so to ensure this is an inclusive experience for everyone, we are able to provide any supplies needed for an enjoyable camp experience. We provide meals and snacks, sleeping bags, bug spray, hand sanitizer, shower supplies (including towels, shampoo and shower shoes), workbooks, pens, journals, etc. We understand that packing enough clothes for a weekend away from home can be challenging or cause anxiety. We can provide clothing for those that make this request. All requests for clothing are kept confidential. If you have any concerns about barriers to participating, please reach out to our staff so we can navigate solutions.

We are able to do this because of the support and generosity of our staff, our community, and our donors.  

2021 CAMP SPONSORS

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ElunaLogo-300x200
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For a full list of volunteers, donors, and supporters who made the 2021 camp experience possible,
read our Blog post Camp Mariposa — Indianapolis: Simply Serendipitous.

Camp Mariposa - Indianapolis Helps Youth:

  • Reduce feelings of isolation and guilt
  • Connect with friends facing similar situations
  • Learn that addiction is a disease and not their fault
  • Build confidence
  • Learn critical life skills to help manage feelings and practice self-care
and 
HAVE FUN 
!

Interested in becoming a mentor?

Mentors are an essential piece in making our camp successful. If you’re caring, compassionate and want to proactively help the youth in your community, we invite you to join us at Aaron’s Place. We’ll provide the necessary training and tools to help make your contribution as meaningful as possible.

We require a one year commitment from our trained adult mentors to ensure that a solid foundation of trust, support, and awareness is built around the topic of substance use disorder.

REGISTRATION

To register your camper or to become a mentor, please fill out an application by clicking the respective button below.

Camper Application
Mentor Application

All applications and any questions about this program should be addressed to:
Brandy Greene
Camp Mariposa Director 
brandy@overdoselifeline.org 
844-554-3354 ext. 9

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