ABOUT US

WHAT IS CAMP HOMETOWN HEROES?

Camp Hometown Heroes is a free week-long overnight summer camp for children and siblings, ages seven to seventeen, of fallen U.S. service members who died in any manner: combat, accident, illness or suicide. During their visit to camp, perhaps for the first time in their young lives, the children have the opportunity to openly discuss their feelings and experiences. Through the support of pediatric grief specialists the children are afforded the opportunity to enjoy typical summer camp activities such as swimming, dance, arts and crafts, archery, drama, canoeing, fishing, climbing and more. — But most importantly, the children are given many opportunities to begin or continue the healing process.

OUR HISTORY

*According to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), post 9-11, 4,923 U.S. children have lost a parent who served in the U.S. Military.

Pediatric grief experts at Grief Connection and other organizations have found that these children often face depression, profound grief, isolation and a sense of helplessness.

Camp Hometown Heroes was founded and is operated by the Wisconsin charity, Hometown Heroes, Inc. a 501C3 Non-Profit Organization. At the debut camp in June 2013, Co-Founders Jim Kacmarcik and Neil Willenson were joined by hundreds of volunteers in transforming the lives of these deserving children and their families.

The children we serve are the tragic embodiment of the statement “freedom is not free.” They have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy each day. They sacrificed a parent, sibling or other loved one who valiantly served our country.

For decades to come they will be denied the physical presence and love of a cherished family member. There is no way we can fully repay the debt this country owes to children of our fallen service members. But we can work together to ensure they experience healing, happiness, acceptance, and growth. They are the legacy of a deceased U.S. service member. Our charity and dedicated volunteers work each day with great purpose to ensure they have a brighter future. This is the genesis of our Camp Hometown Heroes endeavor.

During our inaugural camp in 2013, Camp Hometown Heroes welcomed 62 children from 14 states entirely free of charge. The camp has grown to serve well over 150 children from 29 states. Our ability to welcome them is related to our success securing financial partners to sponsor the children. Your donation enables us to reach these kids and support them!

OUR MISSION

The children are afforded the opportunity to enjoy typical summer camp activities such as swimming, dance, arts and crafts, archery, drama, canoeing, fishing, climbing and more. But more importantly, the children are given many opportunities to begin or continue the healing process. Often the loss began before death when the service member was deployed. There can be years of missing that loved one and anticipating what might happen to them. When a death actually does occur, these children are put in a life category that not many understand. That’s where Camp Hometown Heroes comes in. Unlike many other camps for fallen service members, at Camp Hometown Heroes the children attend camp without their caregivers. We want this week to be one of significant personal growth. Attending without their adult caregiver(s) allows them to experience greater independence and self-discovery. Some came on a wing and a prayer not knowing what they would find so far away from home. Leaving surviving family was nerve-wracking in itself for some. For many of the children, the travel to and from camp is part of the experience. Many of the children have rarely (if ever) flown before. Traveling to Wisconsin from as far away as Hawaii, Idaho, California, and Washington is part of the adventure of Camp Hometown Heroes. Upon arrival, the children immediately realize they share a sad common bond. Yet, it is this common bond that allows us to create an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. In working with pediatric grief specialists from Grief Connection these children who have lost so much learn how to deal with the loss they have suffered. When someone says “I know how you feel”, it’s true. This could be called “Empathy Camp“ because hearts which have suffered recognize suffering in another heart. At the end of a week, all hearts are connected. We cannot begin to make up for what has been lost. We can only hope to honor the memories of those who gave their lives for our country. And we can strive to be sure that their children know both they and their loved one have not been forgotten.

WHO WE SERVE

U.S. MILITARY MEMBERS CHILDREN AND SIBLINGS BETWEEN THE AGES OF SEVEN TO SEVENTEEN.

Thousands of children have made the life-long sacrifice of losing a loved one who served in the U.S. military. This death can be in any manner – combat, accident, illness or suicide. They have been witness to an Honor Guard, gun salute and flag presentation at the funeral of their loved one. It is difficult for them to bear this burden which can change the way they see the world. Children of Fallen Heroes are casualties of war. Camp Hometown Heroes exists to help them know that it’s okay to grieve.

HOW WE SERVE

CAMP

Camp Hometown Heroes provides week-long summer camp sessions and other healing programs for children 7-17. Through the generosity of thousands of donors these are offered completely free of charge.

HEALING

Through our partnership with trained pediatric grief counselors from Children’s Grief Connection, we help put children on a path to healing and growth.

COMMUNITY

We supply an atmosphere where children can bond with others like themselves who understand the loss they have suffered in their young lives. This helps them realize that they’re not alone. Reunions are held throughout the year to ensure that campers maintain these relationships.

VOLUNTEER

We offer multitudes of volunteers opportunities to “give back” through service at camp, fundraising or sponsorship of campers. We partner with individuals, businesses, corporations, school groups, celebrities and to others to offer as many people as possible the chance to give back.