PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

 

Blaise Hanger of Pittsfield attended the camp last year and said it was one of the best ones he has been to and he had a lot of fun doing the many activities.

 

"How to use a bow and arrow, and I got to swim in a pond, and I got to swim in a bigger pool, and I got to eat better food, and I had way more fun there with other people," he said.

 

Blaise said he wants to go for a long time and even work there one day when he is older.

 

Saks said the days are packed with fun and different activities, including yoga, crafts, and nature walks. Electronic devices are not allowed.

 

"They were really, really full from the time they woke up until the time they went to bed," she said. "And it was just joyful. And they got to do things that they never really would have had a chance to do."

 

Blaise's mother, Soleil Hanger, recently joined the camp's board of directors. A former summer camper and camp counselor herself, she said she likes Camp Happy Place because it's a safe space for the kids who don't have to talk about what they went through but know they are all connected and can all have fun.

 

"It makes it almost comforting for them to know that that's like, like she said, like, a safe space for them to, like, know that you guys all went through something, but you guys can all come here and have fun. You don't even have to worry about it," Hanger said.

 

The camp is open to Berkshire County children ages 8 to 13. The days for camp next summer will be June 19 to the 23.

 

Registration is now open on the website; Saks can be contacted at gayle@camphappyplace.org.