Project:Camp in Los Angeles may look like an ordinary summer camp, but for the children attending, it is much more—it’s a place to heal. Every camper has been impacted by recent wildfires, including nine-year-old Rose McCabe, whose school burned to the ground, leaving only the sign standing. For kids like Rose, who are uncertain about their future, the camp provides a sense of normalcy and comfort.
Project:Camp operates nationwide, quickly setting up in communities hit by natural disasters. Through activities like arts and crafts, jump rope, and group play, children are given a space to process their emotions. Co-founder Ozzie Barron explains that the program is trauma-informed, designed to help kids work through their experiences naturally—through play and peer support.
Parents like Karen McCabe are grateful for the opportunity, knowing that in the midst of uncertainty, their children are getting what they need most—fun, friendship, and a safe space to just be kids. As families rebuild, Project:Camp is proving that resilience begins with community, care, and a little bit of play.