Routines are essential for kids. The familiar rhythm of school, friends, and play lays the foundation for emotional security and confidence. But when those anchors are suddenly swept away…everything can feel unsteady. Displacement after a disaster doesn’t just mean a change in address; it means a loss of normalcy, comfort, and connection.
That’s where Project:Camp steps in.
This nonprofit creates pop-up day camps designed to help kids process trauma, find routine, and (most importantly) experience joy again. Whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or floods, Project:Camp shows up where families need them most, offering safe, playful spaces for healing.
Following the LA wildfires, Project:Camp quickly mobilized to run on-the-ground programming for impacted children. These pop-up camps provided vital structure, community, and joy at a time when everything felt uncertain. Because joy is resilience in action…
These camps aren’t just about fun – though there’s plenty of that. They’re thoughtfully designed to:
- Support children’s emotional well-being after trauma
- Rebuild confidence and routine
- Give parents a few hours of relief to manage recovery logistics
At the TDB Family Foundation, we were honored to support Project:Camp through our LA Fire Relief micro-grants. Their work aligns beautifully with our Pathways to Mental Health Resiliency focus area, helping young people and their families navigate incredibly difficult transitions with care, creativity, and compassion.
This is what kindness looks like in action: showing up, meeting the moment, and making space for joy.
➡️ Want to support Project:Camp? Learn more and donate at projectcamp.co
➡️ Have an idea of your own to spread kindness? Apply for a $1,000 Kindness Grant at tdbff.org/kindness-grants
Photo courtesy of Project:Camp via Facebook