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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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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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See all photos from Camp Mariposa-Indianapolis 2021

Photo Album

2022 CAMP DATES

Indianapolis, IN

Jameson Camp

CAMP DATES

March 18–20
May 20–22
July 22–24
August 26-28
October 14–16
December 2–4
Apply to attend

Bloomfield, IN

Craig Lodge

CAMP DATES

March 11–13
May 6–8
July 8–10
August 19–21
October 28–30
Apply to attend

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.  

  • 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.
  • Transportation available upon request.
  • We still have room for more campers, please share this program with a family that can benefit!

2022 CAMP MARIPOSA SPONSORS

McFarland-Family-trust-logo-300x200
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IUPUI-Logo-Web-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.

2022 CAMP MARIPOSA SPONSORS

Kicking-the-Stigma-Colts-sponsor
McFarland-Family-trust-logo-300x200
GuysGoGetters-mark-300x200
47EM-logo-300x200
zac-43-logo-300x200
ElunaLogo-300x200
IUPUI-Logo-Web-300x200
Previous
Next

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 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:
Nicki Cochran
Camp Mariposa Director 
Nicki@overdoselifeline.org
844-554-3354 ext. 9

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CAMP MARIPOSA®
2022 Youth Application

CAMP MARIPOSA® 2022 YOUTH APPLICATION

Youth Applicant Information

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The following information is used to gather demographic statistics.

Youth Activities

Youth Family Information

please describe

Youth Applicant History

Camp Mariposa has been providing services for youth and families experiencing issues such as addiction, poverty, abuse and mental health for over a decade. We recognize the following questions may be sensitive information to share, but this will help us plan and prepare a program that will benefit all youth. In the event of current abuse of any type, Camp Mariposa staff are mandated reporters.

Mental Health

Abuse/Neglect

Foster Care/Kinship Care

Grief/Loss

Program Interest

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

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Emergency Contacts

Please list two people other than you to contact in case of an emergency at camp.

Additional Youth Information

Acknowledgment

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2022 CAMP MARIPOSA®
Mentor Application

Mentor Application

Thank you for hour interest in the Camp Mariposa program! Camp Mariposa is a mentoring and support program for youth ages 9-12 who have been affected by the substance use of a family member. Camp Mariposa is a yearlong program. The program includes weekend camps held six times a year and additional activities for campers, alumni, and their families in the months between camp weekends. Camp Mariposa follows a group and peer mentoring model, meaning that all activities. All youth and mentors make a one-year commitment to participate in the program. Mentors must attend additional activities and at least four camp weekends each year.

Screening Process

1. Submit an application.


2. Complete screening and criminal background check.


3. Provide at least two references and participate in a phone/in-person interview.


4. Attend and participate in 3-hours of training each year.

Application Information

Employment

References

Camp Mariposa requires at least two references for all applicants. One of the references must be a professional reference. Please feel to provide any additional references to help us ensure the completion of your application in a timely manner.

Acknowledgement

I hereby certify that the information given on this form is factual and complete. I give my permission for any necessary verification. I release from liability any person and/or this organization giving, receiving, or utilizing any such information in making decisions regarding my application to become a mentor.