Hope. Help. For All.

Camp Mariposa

Endowed By The Rubin Family

A Place Where Kids Can Transform

Camp Mariposa® Sarasota is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Youth ages 9-17 attend weekend camps six times a year. Weekend camps offer fun, traditional camp activities combined with education and support sessions led by mental health professionals and trained adult mentors. Additional social activities are offered for youth and their families throughout the year. All program activities are offered free of charge to families. Camp Mariposa Sarasota is part of Eluna’s national Camp Mariposa network.

Eluna is a public, 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to support children and families impacted by grief or addiction. Logo for Camp Mariposa, with text saying "part of the Eluna network".Founded in 2000 in Seattle by former MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and child advocate Karen Phelps Moyer, Eluna was originally called The Moyer Foundation and launched a series of programs supporting thousands of children and families annually.

For more information about Eluna, please visit Elunanetwork.org.

Camp Mariposa® Allows Youth To:

  • Connect with friends in similar situations
  • Reduce feelings of guilt and isolation
  • Learn that addiction is a disease and is not their fault
  • Develop trusting relationships with adult mentors
  • Build confidence and learn critical life skills
  • Have Fun!

For Questions or Enrollment:

941-780-5929mariposa@jfcs-cares.orgLogo for Camp Mariposa, with text saying "part of the Eluna network".
Youth who attend Camp Mariposa® learn coping skills that build resiliency and ultimately break the cycle of addiction. Watch Kaia’s story.

Social Support

0% of campers have made friends at Camp Mariposa
0% of campers report that there are adults they trust at Camp Mariposa

Coping Skills

0% of campers can identify 2 ways to take care of themselves
0% of campers report that they learned things they can use at home

Positive Outlook

0% of campers believe they will graduate from high school
0% of campers believe they will accomplish their dreams

Camp Mariposa® Strives to Intervene Early & Break the Cycle of Addiction

Camp Mariposa® helps youth:
  • Feel less isolated
  • Understand addiction
  • Stop blaming themselves
  • Connect with others
  • Avoid repeating generational patterns of substance use disorder
  • Recognize attributes of a healthy relationship
  • Find available resources and support

For Questions or Enrollment:

941-780-5929mariposa@jfcs-cares.org

Important Information:

  • Program is held at overnight camping facilities in Manatee or Sarasota County.
  • Camp consists of traditional fun activities, educational and support exercises.
  • Counselors and camp staff are employees of JFCS, an accredited and licensed substance use disorder and counseling agency serving residents of Sarasota and Manatee County.
  • Transportation is provided to and from our designated camp location.
  • All meals are included from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.
  • Youth camp weekend program begins Friday at 6:45pm p.m. and ends on Sunday afternoon.
  • The Teen camp program ends on Saturday after dinner.
  • Additional activities are offered to families on selected weekends.
  • Camp Mariposa® is FREE to all youth approved through the intake process. Youth must be 9 – 17 years old by the weekends of attendance.
  • Additional Activities to be announced throughout the year.

Youth Camp Dates
Ages 9 – 12

  • Jan 17-19, 2025
  • March 28-30, 2025
  • May 23-25, 2025
  • July 25-27, 2025
  • Sept 19-21, 2025
  • Nov 21-23, 2025

Teen Camp Dates
Ages 13 – 17

  • Feb 7-8, 2025
  • April 25-26, 2025
  • Aug 22-23, 2025
  • Oct 10-11, 2025