How do I know if my child is eligible to participate in Camp Hometown Heroes?
Camp Hometown Heroes serves youth who have lost a parent or a sibling due to active or inactive United States military service, including children who have lost their loved one due to illness, accident, or death by suicide.
Children ages 7-14 are eligible to participate in our traditional adventure camp program
Children age 15 are eligible to participate in our Leadership in Training 1 program, designed to begin teaching teens that camp is about giving back.
LIT 1 campers will also participate in an offsite, 2-night tent camping trip to build skills in communication, team-work, self-reliance and confidence building. A limited number of campers will be accepted into this program through an application process.
Children age 16 are eligible to participate in our Leadership in Training 2 program, designed to refine our teens’ ability to be leaders at camp.
LIT 2 campers will participate in an offsite, 2-night tent camping trip where they will learn skills for working with younger campers, building camp spirit, and giving back to the community. A limited number of campers will be accepted into this program through an application process.
Children age 17 can apply for our limited number of counselor in training positions. Each cit will be empowered to take an active role as a mentor for a specific cabin of younger campers.
The CIT program positions will be awarded through an application process that includes a written essay and evaluations from prior experience in the LIT 1 and 2 programs.
What is the cost of the program?
Camp Hometown Heroes is provided at no-cost to the families we serve, including airfare, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
What is included in my child’s experience at Camp Hometown Heroes?
The program includes lodging, meals, and all activities for our week long camp sessions. Airfare to and from camp, is also provided, in partnership with Delta Airlines.
Are there any exclusions?
Due to the high cost of airfare, we are unable to provide airfare from regional airports. This means that in some cases, we will ask that you transport your child to an airport with a larger Delta airlines hub. We are happy to work with you during the registration process to find the airport that works best for our budget and your ability to travel.
Where is camp located?
Our program is run at an American Camping Association (ACA) accredited, year-round residential camp facility, located in Wisconsin. Many of our campers travel from locations other than Wisconsin by flying to camp via General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Where does my child stay at camp and how are they supervised?
Campers stay in cabin groups that are formed based on their age group and gender. Our cabins are heated, air conditioned, and have private showers and toilets inside the cabin building. Counselors of the same gender as the cabin group sleep in the cabins. Your child will be supervised by our trained staff at all times.
Are there any immunizations required for my child to attend camp?
Nothing is more important to us than the safety and welfare of our campers, volunteers and staff. Similar to many summer camps across the US, Camp Hometown Heroes requires that any child or staff member participating in camp must have been previously vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. However, with written documentation from a physician, children who have a medical reason as to why they cannot take the vaccine will still be permitted to attend camp without receiving the vaccination. More details on this vaccine (and the medical exemptions) can be found Here.
What does my child need to bring to camp?
We send out a packing list each spring so you can feel confident you are sending your child with everything they need at camp! The packing list is designed to be very affordable, and in the event that your child comes to camp without something from the packing list, we will be sure to get them what they need. Out of state campers are provided with bedding.
Do you allow phones or technology at camp?
Camp Hometown Heroes is a “tech-free” camp, meaning we reframe from the use of cell phones, computers, tablets, gaming devices, or other electronics. At camp we want everyone to be present in the moment and focus on building connections within the camp community. Many children do bring phones or other devices to camp for use while traveling to and from Wisconsin. We store and charge electronics for each child and return them on the morning of their flights back home.
If you don’t allow my child to use their phone, how do I know they are doing ok during the week of camp?
For many campers, Camp Hometown Heroes is the first time being far away from home without a guardian. We understand that you want to check in on your child throughout the week. Therefore, we create a private Facebook page for each camp session, visible only to camp parents and guardians, where we share updates. In the event of an emergency, you are provided information of how to contact us and reach your child. Similarly, we have a very open style of immediate communication with you if any issues or concerns arise throughout the week.
