For young people who live with or who are affected by HIV/AIDS, LSS/NCA offers Youth Haven Camp and Retreats. We collaborate with partners, such as local congregations and Metro TeenAIDS. Youth Haven has been serving children and teens in the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas for more than a decade.

Our mission with Youth Haven is to provide kids a safe, supportive environment where they can share their experiences, find comfort and hope together, and grow past the stigma of HIV/AIDS. In addition, at Youth Haven we provide counseling services from our staff and full-time nursing care. Through the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and affiliate organizations, we are able to run Youth Haven free of charge to all the participants.

Overview of Services

With the help of our networks in the community, including staff at local hospitals and clinics, area children and families affected by HIV/AIDS are informed about this great opportunity.

For kids aged 7-13, we offer Camp Kids Haven, a week-long get-away on the campus of the Mar-Lu Ridge Camp and Conference Center in Jefferson, MD. Campers get to swim, play games, sleep in sleeping bags, do arts and crafts projects, and go on adventures in the woods. Our hope is that for one week in August, campers get to experience a warm, caring environment where they have fun and ‘just be kids.’

For teens 14-18, we offer Teen Haven Retreats, a series of three weekend retreats held throughout the year, each at a different location. The teen retreats aim to provide youth with life skills, strong role models, and opportunities for creative self-expression as they plan for their future as young adults.

How You Can Help

In order to continue to run our Youth Haven programs at no cost to participants and their families, LSS/NCA depends on the generosity of churches, civic groups, and individuals in our community. Every year, we rely on their donations of time, in-kind contributions, and finances to make Youth Haven a reality.

Volunteer

Share your time with a child or teen and truly make a difference in their life. We are looking for volunteers to fill a number of positions that help run and facilitate our camp and retreats.

Donate Supplies

The Youth Haven Camps are in need of various supplies for our retreats. Your in-kind donations such as medical supplies, toiletries, and footwear help keep our costs low and ensure we can continue offering the program free of charge to participants.

Donate Funds

We depend on financial gifts to keep our program free of charge to campers and their families. Donations help pay for transportation costs, rental fees, food, and medical supplies. In the past, donors have pledged funds in the following ways:

Sponsorship: a financial gift that provides a scholarship ($1200) to kids or teens referred to our program.

Group Fundraising: fund-driving efforts by churches and civic organizations that have collected monetary donations as well as supplies. Groups have organized silent auctions, events, and charitable drives to raise money.

Donations: a single monetary gift for any amount.