This weekend, the public had a chance to support substance abuse prevention for children by enjoying an art show. The event was part of Camp Mariposa’s “Youth Vision Art Show.”
The Dream Bean Coffee House on Mercer Street in Princeton often hosts art exhibits. However, this recent show featured artwork created by much younger artists.
The pieces were made by campers from Camp Mariposa. This camp is free and runs year-round. It serves children who have been affected by substance use disorder. The camp offers both education and fun activities. It also connects kids with others facing similar challenges.
Arrihanna Hicks, a Camp Mariposa camper, shared her thoughts. She said the camp is a place where she can express her feelings about addiction. She can share those emotions with people she does not know and make new friends.
Another camper, Olivia Champ, said the camp helps her to release negative feelings. It also gives her someone to talk to.
People who attended the art show paid an entry fee. They also bought art, soap, and small plants like succulents. All the money raised will help support the camp. Most of the funds will go toward a field trip planned for the campers.
Eden Scruggs, Camp Mariposa’s program director, said education is very important. But she also emphasized how much the fun activities, like field trips, matter.
Scruggs explained, “We provide prevention education to stop kids from following a similar path. But we also offer fun. Simple things like a summer vacation may not be possible for all kids. We want to give them a break from their usual routine. Having fun helps them feel normal, and it is important for their learning.”
The campers invited those who want to support them to attend the next fundraiser. They also encourage children affected by addiction to join Camp Mariposa. Hicks said the camp will “help a lot.”
To learn about upcoming events and fundraisers, Scruggs said people can visit Camp Mariposa’s website and Facebook page. The camp will also start accepting donations through a link on their website soon. For more information, people can call the camp’s office located in the Community Connections building.
