About Camp HLC
Camp HLC is typically a three-day, overnight retreat for children and young adults, ages 6-21, who have or have had a loved one battling ALS. Families are invited as well. It is an opportunity to have fun, be challenged through team building exercises, and meet peers who are going through a similar experience.
Camp HLC is provided free for our ALS families by Hope Loves Company and our sponsors. All meals and activities are included.
Camp HLC offers so many fun experiences, including hikes, games, zip lines, rock climbing, boating, fishing, a ropes course, archery, yoga, arts and crafts, group therapy sessions, music, and much more.
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Camp HLC Locations
We have seven camps every year!
*HLC provides travel assistance to Camp HLC for children and families who have difficulty getting to camp due to financial restrictions, and/or Camp HLC is unavailable within their geographical area. If interested in travel assistance, please contact Linda Sermons at linda.sermons@hopelovescompany.org or fill out this form.
Virtual Camp HLC - March 10-12, 2023
Online Via Zoom
New Jersey - May 19-21, 2023
Camp Fairview Lake YMCA
1035 Fairview Lake Road
Newton, NJ 07860
Illinois - June 2-4, 2023
Camp Nageela Midwest
26710 W Nippersink Rd.
Ingleside, IL 60041
Indiana - June 18-23, 2023
Flat Rock River YMCA Camp
6981 W Co Road 650 N
St Paul, IN 47272
Massachusetts - August 11-13, 2023
Camp Emerson
212 Longview Avenue
Hinsdale, MA 01235
Georgia - October 13-15, 2023
Camp Twin Lakes, Will-A-Way
210 S Broad St, #5
Winder, GA 30680
California - November 17-19, 2023
Camp Campbell
16275 CA-9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
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If you attended Camp HLC and did not complete an evaluation, please email linda.sermons@hopelovescompany.org
FAQs
What should I pack?
Suggested items
Comfortable play clothing that may get wet, muddy or grass stained
Bath towel/washcloth
Pillow and sleeping bag or sheets/blanket
Tooth brush, tooth paste, Toiletries
Soap in soap box
Sunblock
2 pair of shoes – rain boots, sneakers
Insect repellent (non-aerosol)
Medications
Sweatshirt / Jacket
Reusable water bottle
Rain coat or poncho
Allergy-friendly snacks
Flashlight, Hand sanitizer, Tissues
What are the cabins like?
Most cabins have electricity and full bathrooms with showers. The cabins have heat and windows. Each cabin has bunk beds. All HLC campers will be together in a group of cabins. Males sleep together in a cabin(s) and females sleep together in another cabin(s).
What ages can attend Camp HLC?
Almost all of our camps, with the exception of Indiana, are for ages 6-21. Camp in Indiana at Flat Rock River has different restrictions and only ages 7-17 are allowed.
What should I not bring to camp?
Items to leave at home:
Computers
Video Games
iPods
DVD players
TVs, radios
Pocket knives
Where can families who are not attending camp stay locally?
Families can stay in a local hotel that Hope Loves Company can assist in finding.
What about the weather?
All camp activities occur rain or shine, unless there is a thunderstorm or heavy rain. All campers should bring a rain poncho, sunscreen, and bug spray!
What is the fee to attend camp?
Camp is free for our ALS families. It is provided by Hope Loves Company and our sponsors.
How is cell phone service?
Cell phone service at a camp can be limited. In case of an emergency, with no cell phone service, campers can be reached by calling the campground directly.
What happens if there is an emergency?
Most YMCA staff are trained in CPR, first aid, oxygen use and AED (automated external defibrillator) use. There are YMCA staff at the camp 24 hours a day. Most cabins are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Emergency YMCA numbers are provided to HLC chaperones. Emergency phones are available in the dining hall.
How will my child be supervised?
All campers are supervised by campground staff and HLC chaperones. HLC enjoys meals and activities together as a group. All of our cabins are together at the camp. There is a minimum of two chaperones per cabin.
What are the activities like?
YMCA activities are led by YMCA staff. YMCA staff are friendly, engaging and well qualified to lead group activities. HLC staff will also lead some group activities. Some of the activities are divided by age. The activities are fun, get to know your games and team building exercises. HLC does all activities together as a group. See the activity page for more information.
How is the food?
The food is provided by the YMCA. All meals are in the dining hall, and are eaten together as a group. The meals are varied, nutritious and delicious! A salad bar is usually provided. Bring a water bottle to refill during your stay. We must know food allergies ahead of time and please only bring healthy snacks to camp.
Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes, special dietary needs can be accommodated. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have special dietary needs.
Who should I contact with questions?
Linda Sermons, HLC Program Manager: linda.sermons@hopelovescompany.org
Shannon Sullivan, HLC Executive Director: shannon.sullivan@hopelovescompany.org or info@hopelovescompany.org.
Virtual Camp HLC
The adventures of Camp HLC from the comfort of your home.
What is Virtual Camp HLC?
We were unable to meet in person at Camp HLC in 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic, so we brought camp directly to the homes of our families. The program was so successful, we decided to have a Virtual Camp HLC every year.
Regardless of where you and your family live, you are invited to join us at one of our virtual camps. You are also welcome to join us at more than one camp.
Like traditional Camp HLC, Virtual Camp HLC is provided at NO COST to families affected by ALS.
Virtual Camp HLC will take place over the course of a weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon (just like traditional Camp HLC). We will enjoy games and activities, develop friendships, and chat with peers who share in our experiences.
Virtual Camp FAQs
What can I expect at Virtual Camp HLC?
Like traditional Camp HLC, we will enjoy fun games and activities, like music, yoga, arts and crafts, and of course, s'mores by the "campfire!" We'll participate in games and challenges with awesome prizes for winners and top scorers. We'll also have group shares, cookie decorating. To see an example schedule, please check out pages 5-7 of our Virtual Camp HLC CA yearbook.
What do I need to participate?
Each Virtual Camp HLC participant will receive a special Camp HLC kit in the mail, containing everything you need to have an amazing, interactive, and memorable Camp HLC weekend. You will need a Zoom account to join us.
When is Virtual Camp HLC?
March 10-12, 2023
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Here’s what our families had to say about our first Virtual Camp HLC
It was helpful to have the kids feel some sense of normalcy during these times and connect with new friends.
Everyone was very nice and made me feel special.
This was a great experience for our family. We loved it. Everything was so well thought out and planned. What a great group of people to meet and spend time with.
The group chat was so fun!
It was just nice to see that we’re not alone when we seem so isolated where we live.
Tie-dying was a nice family activity.
Support Virtual Camp HLC
We couldn't do it without our volunteers or sponsors!
Thank you Virtual Camp HLC supporters
