Resident Camp Programs

• Summer Family Camp 2026 - September 4-7, 2026

  The Laurel Foundation is honored to announce that this summer, we will be hosting a celebratory Camp Laurel Family Camp for children and youth (aged 3-17) affected by HIV/AIDS and their immediate families for the final time.

  This moment marks both a reflection on the profound impact of Camp Laurel over the past 34 years and an important transition in our work. The success of HIV treatment, education, and access to care in the United States has led to significantly lower rates of new HIV infections, an achievement made possible by decades of advocacy, community support, and resilience from the families we serve.

  As we look ahead, The Laurel Foundation is evolving our programs to focus on youth who are at risk of HIV, centering prevention, education, mental health support, and community connection. This shift reflects our continued commitment to our founding mission and our belief that the path to an AIDS-free world lies in prevention, early intervention, and empowering young people with the tools they need to thrive.

  We hope you will join us September 4–7, 2026, in Angelus Oaks for a meaningful weekend of community, support, celebration, and, of course, camp fun.

  Space is limited, and applications will open February 23, 2026. We look forward to coming together to honor our shared history.

  CAMP INFORMATION:

  POPULATION SERVED: This special program is open to children and youth ages 3–17 and their immediate family members.

  TRAINING:
  Training will be a combination of online and in-person training. Online training will be a 5 hour training that you can do at your own pace, but must be completed before our in-person training.
  In-Person Training Dates: August 22 & 23, 2026 8:30AM – 5:00 PM (Pasadena, CA)
  Pre Camp: Angelus Oaks, CA – September 4, 2026 8:00 AM – 5PM

  ABOUT CAMP:

  CABINS:
  Cabin sizes: 6-8 per cabin with 2 counselors
  Cabins will be by age and gender identity
  Cabins will travel in groups in the morning and in the afternoon it is “Family Choice” – families will travel together to activiries

  PROGRAM GOALS:
  Increased Self-Esteem, Independence, Self Advocacy, Self-Empowerment, Resilience, Improved Communication, Formation of Community, Improved Family Relationships, Character Development, HIV Knowledge.

  ACTIVITIES (to date):
  Swimming (weather permitting), Archery, Mountain Biking (ages 11+) Arts and Crafts, High and Low Ropes, Support Groups for Caregivers, HIV Education (12+).

  WANT MORE INFORMATION:

  Find out what it takes to be a volunteer
  – Volunteer Job Description.

  Medical Director Job Description.

  Medical Staff Job Description.

  Help Team Staff Job Description.

  INTERVIEWS:
  NEW VOLUNTEER AND RETURNING VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE NOT WORKED WITH US IN OVER 5 YEARS go through an Interview Process.

  New Volunteers:
  You will have a one on one interview with our Director of Volunteers and Administration, who will review your application with you and answer any questions you might have about volunteering. Then you will go through a Group Interview with other applicants to meet some of our current counselors. Finally, two reference checks will be processed and a LIVE SCAN.

  Returning Volunteers who have not worked with us in over 5 years will have a one on one interview with our Director of Volunteers and Administration – who will get to see what you have been up to, answer any questions you might have, update you on any new camp policies etc.
  Contact Eliot Dowens for more information on how to get involved!

  Click the link below if you are a returning volunteer to complete an application. If you are a new volunteer please email Eliot Dowens to get set up in our system.

CAMP LAUREL LEADERSHIP TEAM 2026