Celebrating 25 Years of Camp Avary!

The Magic of Summer Camp

The first Camp Avary was held in the summer of 1999, making this summer our 25th anniversary! Founded at the gates of San Quentin Prison, Project Avary set out to give children with incarcerated parents a space to be free of shame and stigma, while developing the tools to rise up in leadership. Camp Avary is a place of self-discovery, empowerment, and building magical lifelong memories.

A Community of Belonging

For many youth, arriving at Camp Avary is a milestone. Not only a first summer camp experience, but a first time amongst others with the shared experience of parental incarceration. Here, in what we affectionately term our 'common bond', our community is united. It is within the strength of this safe container, we find pathways to heal and expand.

Growing Leaders

Project Avary equips youth with the emotional resilience and valuable life skills to become leaders, within Project Avary and their own communities. As campers continue their journeys, they are given the opportunity to become Avary counselors themselves, inspiring and guiding the next generation to healing and growth. 80% of Project Avary staff and counselors are Junior Counselors and Program Alumni!

Play & Joy

Play is a strong building block for connection and a calming force for our nervous systems. It provides an opportunity for children to be children and imaginatively explore new ways of coping with difficult emotions. Camp Avary is filled with exciting outdoor adventures, splashing at the shore, sports of all kinds and tons of fun games, including Avary originals, such as the ‘Avary Olympics’.

Music, Art & Performance

Being creative is highly celebrated at Camp Avary. We paint, sing, drum, dance, write poetry...all of it! Encouraging self expression supports a deeper sense of trust and offers inclusion of all voices in all mediums. On the last evening of each session, we gather for the infamous 'Un-talent Show', where every performance, big or small, silly or masterful is received with cheer and applause.

Fire Circles

Fear and social stigma can prevent children from speaking about their parent’s incarceration and its impacts. Avary fire circles are at the heart of our mission, offering a place for youth to openly share their story with others who truly understand. During camp, we hold morning and evening Avary fire circles every day to ensure that every individual has a chance to be heard, seen and cared for.