Camp Mariposa in South Bend, IN

When a family member struggles with substance use, children can feel confused and alone. Camp Mariposa South Bend is a free, year-round program that gives kids a safe place to connect with others who understand, while having fun, building confidence and learning healthy skills for their future.

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About Camp Mariposa

Camp Mariposa is a welcoming, supportive program for youth ages 9–17 who have been impacted by a family member’s substance use. Kids attend overnight camps up to six times per year, where they enjoy classic camp fun like games, crafts and sports, along with guided activities that support healing, mental wellbeing and personal growth. Between camps, Camp Mariposa also offers family activities and group outings to help kids stay connected and families feel supported. Best of all, Camp Mariposa is completely free for families. Camp Mariposa South Bend is part of Eluna’s national Camp Mariposa network. Get more information on Eluna.

What Youth Gain from Camp Mariposa

Camp Mariposa helps kids build resilience, confidence and connection in a supportive environment that includes mental health professionals, trained mentors and fellow campers. Campers who attend report they:

  • Feel less alone by connecting with peers who understand
  • Build self-confidence and healthy coping skills
  • Learn how to express feelings in positive ways
  • Strengthen problem-solving and communication skills
  • Experience joy, friendship and belonging

Most importantly, kids learn that what’s happening in their family is not their fault.

What Families and Campers Say

Meet Kris

Kris says Camp Mariposa has changed her understanding of addiction, and gave her a place to process difficult experiences.

Meet Kloie

Kloie says the friends and mentors she’s met at camp have helped her heal. “Camp has taught me a lot.”

What to Expect at Camp

Camp Mariposa takes place during overnight weekend camps held throughout the year (two nights for ages 9-12 and one night for ages 13-17). Each camp blends traditional camp fun with supportive group activities led by trained staff and volunteers.

Campers enjoy:

  • Games, outdoor activities and team building
  • Creative activities and shared meals
  • Educational sessions designed for kids and teens on subjects related to mental health and substance use prevention
  • Activities designed to help kids and teens process trauma related to their family member’s substance use and foster healing
  • A safe, structured environment with caring adults

Check Out the Fun at Camp and Family Outings

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested, complete this form to apply to Camp Mariposa, or email the camp coordinator.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, email campmariposa@oaklawn.org and ask for an application. Mentors:

  •  Make a one-year commitment to attend at least four camp weekends, as well as activities offered outside of camp
  • Create a positive, fun, supportive and trusting atmosphere for campers
  • Facilitate camper and cabin group bonding
  • Participate in and/or facilitate sharing activities
  • Eat all meals and share a cabin with assigned campers
  • Undergo a background check

Camp Mariposa (ages 9-12) is held six times per year and begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and runs through 11:30 a.m. Sunday. If dates change, registered campers will be informed and the dates on this page will be updated. Camp families should watch their mail and texts for current information. Upcoming camp dates are:

  • September 11-13, 2026
  • November 13-15, 2026
  • December 11-13, 2026
  • January 8-10, 2027
  • March 12-14, 2027
  • April 30-May 2, 2027

Teen Camp (ages 13-17) is held six times per year and begins at 5 p.m. on Friday and runs through 7 p.m. Saturday. Transportation is provided. Buses take campers from Oaklawn campuses to camp and back. Upcoming camp dates are:

  • May 8-9, 2026
  • September 11-12, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 2026, TBD

Camp Mariposa is offered completely free to families thanks to Eluna and generous funds from the Oaklawn Foundation made possible by partners in our community. Support Camp Mariposa by making a donation to the Oaklawn Foundation.

Eluna is a public, 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to support children and families impacted by grief or addiction. 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 at no cost to them. Camp Erin® is the largest national network of grief programs for bereaved children and teens, Camp Mariposa® is a national addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth impacted by a family member’s substance use disorder, and the Eluna Resource Center offers online tools, local referrals and personalized phone and email support for families experiencing grief, addiction and other related issues. For more information, please visit Eluna Network.

Contact the Camp Mariposa Coordinator at 574-533-1234 or email the camp coordinator.