At SeriousFun Children’s Network, our Partner Programs are constantly creating opportunities for joy, connection, and growth. Across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, more than 1,400 children and caregivers joined our camp community this past quarter through residential sessions, family camps, and hospital outreach. Behind these numbers are leaders who make camp possible — and one of those leaders is Betty.
A Vision for New Beginnings
Since 2009, Camp Addis has served orphans and vulnerable children living with HIV through a partnership between SeriousFun and RISE Alliance for Children. For Camp Director Betty, the name “Addis” (which means “new” or “fresh” in Amharic) reflects her vision for camp to be a place of new beginnings.
At Camp Addis, children and families rediscover joy, build confidence, and strengthen their creativity. The program is designed not only to provide fun, but also to help participants heal from the isolation and stigma that often come with serious health challenges.
Camp Addis Director, Bethel Mesele
In her own words, Betty explains why Camp Addis is “a place where healing begins.” Her leadership and dedication ensure that camp is more than an event — it’s a turning point for children and families in Ethiopia.
A Growing Network of Impact
While Camp Addis continues to thrive, Partner Programs across the globe are responding to the unique needs of their communities:
Together, these efforts — and leaders like Betty — are what make the SeriousFun network so impactful. They remind us that camp is more than fun and games. It’s a pathway to healing, resilience, and belonging.
