The Guilford County Division of Public Health might not like it very much, but the rest of Guilford County government is trying to get you to eat a lot of ice cream next week. On Thursday, June 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream at 3332 W. Friendly Ave. in Greensboro is holding the third annual Camp HOPE Ice Cream Night Fundraiser.

That evening, 20 percent of the proceeds will go to the very good cause, so county officials want everyone to come out and splurge on the high calorie, high sugar but quite delicious ice cream.  After all, it’s for the kids.

The Guilford County Family Justice Center, which works with, among other victims, the victims of child abuse, is inviting everyone to the “Ice Cream with a Cause,” fundraiser meant to help kids impacted by domestic violence attend the summer camp that provides emotional support and camaraderie with other kids who have experienced similar things, giving them a chance to heal.

The county’s Justice Center is preparing for its seventh annual Camp HOPE – a weeklong overnight camp for children who’ve been exposed to domestic violence and trauma.  The camp this year will take place in mid-August.

To help support the cost of the camp, the Justice Center is hosting the special ice cream night at the popular Ben & Jerry’s.

The county is also seeking people or groups who wish to sponsor children.  The cost to sponsor a child for the entire week of the overnight camp is $750.

Community members are invited to join county officials for the family-friendly event June 8, where the money raised will go directly towards camper fees.

In addition to the ice cream at the event, there will be lawn games, music and activities for kids.

Guilford County Family Justice Center Director Catherine Johnson spoke this about the effect that the camp has on children.

“Camp HOPE changes destinies, giving children community and helping them make meaning of the trauma that happened to them,” she said. “We couldn’t do this transformational work without the generous support of our community.”

Children participate in Camp HOPE at no cost to their families, thanks to events like this and thanks to kind donors. Donations from individuals, businesses and local foundations all help fund the program.

Guilford County, an affiliate of Camp HOPE America, was selected as the first Camp HOPE America site in North Carolina in 2016.

Along with Camp HOPE, the Justice Center’s specialized youth programming includes mentoring and year-round group activities for children impacted by domestic violence and trauma.

If you want to learn more about the Justice Center of Camp Hope, you can visit guilfordcountync.gov/fjc. You can also follow the Guilford County Family Justice Center on Facebook for updates.

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