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Programs & Services |
Education & HIV/AIDS Awareness Programs
Journey of Hope Program
Sharing Messages of Hope, Compassion, and Prevention...
Although originally founded to provide kids with the “best week of their lives,” Camp Heartland's role as a leader in national HIV/AIDS awareness efforts quickly emerged. Although many of the campers were living in secrecy and fear, several courageous children were inspired by their experiences at Camp to speak out about issues impacting families touched by HIV/AIDS. In 1994, to help those brave children and teens share their important messages, Camp Heartland started the Journey of Hope AIDS Awareness Program.
The Program
At Journey of Hope presentations nationwide, the children of Camp Heartland speak openly and honestly about their experiences with the disease. By sharing their personal stories they make a powerful impact – much more than simply sharing statistics about the disease. They recite poetry, sing, dance, lead skits, and most importantly, connect with audience members. We are convinced that these children have not only touched lives, but also saved lives.
Since its inception, Camp Heartland's Journey of Hope program has visited more than 100 schools, universities, churches, and community groups reaching tens of thousands of individuals.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting program and how to bring it to your community, please contact Julie Walker, Community Education Coordinator at 800-724-HOPE or by e-mail. More information is also available on this program throughout this Web site.
Whether speaking to an audience of 10 people or 10,000 – we always share five important messages:
1. AIDS IS PREVENTABLE.
There are few situations that can actually put you at risk for contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Exchanging bodily fluids containing HIV through unprotected sexual activity, direct blood-to-blood contact (such as sharing needles), and transmission of the virus from an HIV-positive mother to a child through birth or breast milk are the only documented means of transmission. Reduce your risk of exposure by avoiding these situations.
2. HIV/AIDS IS NOT TRANSMITTED CASUALLY.
It's safe to be a friend to someone who is HIV positive or has AIDS. You can hold hands, hug, play sports, drink from the same water fountain, swim in the same pool, and do many more everyday activities that friends share.
3. ALL PEOPLE WITH HIV AND AIDS DESERVE COMPASSION.
Whether HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex, HIV-infected blood products, I.V. drug use, or to a baby born to an HIV-positive mother - all people deserve to live with dignity and respect.
4. BE EMPATHETIC.
Until there is a cure for HIV/AIDS, the one thing we can all do to help those who live with this disease is to be a friend. Listen, share, respect, and show compassion to those infected or affected by the virus.
5. GET TESTED.
If you have ever been sexually active or have shared needles when using I.V. drugs it is important to get tested. Teens and young adults account for more than half of the new HIV/AIDS cases in the United States and most are unaware of their HIV status. For information on anonymous and confidential testing sites in your community, call the National HIV Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS or visit www.hivtest.org.
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