Salt Lake DA's Camp Hope helps childhood trauma survivors find healing through play

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — When a child endures trauma, even the simplest joys of childhood can slip away. That’s why the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office created Camp Hope — a rare and powerful summer program designed to help survivors reclaim what was lost. Nestled deep in Utah’s High Uinta’s, the sound of laughter echoing through the trees carries a deeper meaning. At Camp Hope, it’s the sound of healing.

“These are kids who have experienced unspeakable and horrific things,” said Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney. “They have been in a home where there was a lot of violence, where somebody was even murdered in front of them and you’re a 10-year-old child.”

Each camper at Camp Hope is a survivor of trauma, with cases prosecuted by the DA’s office. The goal of the weeklong summer retreat: offer a path back to hope, through the power of play.

“When you and I play, we don’t think about the bad things that happened — we’re just in that moment,” Gill said.

Campers ages 7 to 17 spend the week hiking, riding horses, doing archery, and simply laughing again. One camper, now a counselor, shared how much the camp changed her life.

“It was such a blessing because I grew, and I could tell I grew as a person” she said, remembering how nervous she was to try archery for the first time. “Everyone is so loving and caring here.

Even KUTV’s Kristen Kenney tried her hand at archery — and learned that success at Camp Hope isn’t measured by bullseyes, but by the courage to try. “But you tried,” one camper cheered. “That’s what this whole thing is about!”

At Camp Hope, encouragement is constant. Joy is infectious. And healing begins the moment kids feel safe enough to simply be kids again.

“You bring hope by letting them feel like they belong,” Gill said. “You bring hope by letting them experience the joy of just childhood play.”

Gill started the camp five years ago and the mission is deeply personal he says. “I’ve been a prosecutor for 30 years,” he said. “When you see joy in a child’s face, and you see them smile and laugh, that is something they have not done in a long-time.”

For more information on Camp Hope and to make a contribution visit: slco.to/j90b1j46