The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) in collaboration with other community organizations, encourages hope through healing for children in the Charlotte area that have lost a loved one by supporting Chameleon’s Journey (CJ). Since its inception in 2000, the overnight camp held at Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie, has served over a thousand campers ages 7-17.
The camp revolves around activities that provide opportunities to express grief and other emotions through music, drama, writing, and visual art. Recreational activities are also part of the camp, allowing grieving campers to meet the important need for physical activity.
CJ is sponsored by Hospice of Charlotte (although a child’s loved one need not have received hospice care to attend camp). With the support of the JLC and other generous donors, each child goes to camp for a full weekend absolutely free of charge.
Nicole Brantley has been involved with CJ since 2015 and currently serves as the Chair of the JLC’s Chameleon’s 
Journey committee. She said, “I enjoy getting to know the campers personally and seeing the ones that come back year after year grow as a direct result of the care and attention they receive at camp. You can see the difference in most kids from the time they arrive on Saturday morning to the time they leave Sunday afternoon. They blossom. It’s taught me a lot about myself to see children learn to not only care for themselves but also for others – you’re never too ‘down’ or ill-prepared to lend your neighbor a hand.”
Brantley concluded, “The women that give their entire hearts to these kids for two straight days are incredibly selfless. Often, JLC women move on from this placement for one reason or another but maintain their relationship with CJ and continue to volunteer in their private lives (applications are open to the public – you just have to have a heart to serve).”
