4-Day Kids Camp

Day 1 at Children’s Good Grief Camp is all about building comfort and connection. After a fun bus ride to camp, campers settle in and begin creating a sense of community. Each child makes a “Warm Fuzzy Bag,” a special place to collect encouraging notes and tokens throughout camp. Together, campers work on a group art project that fosters teamwork and expression, setting the stage for healing through creativity. The day ends with an energizing and unifying experience led by the Drum Brothers, whose drumming brings campers together in joy, movement, and shared spirit.

Day 2 focuses on giving campers safe and meaningful ways to share their stories. The day begins with a reading of When Dinosaurs Die, a storybook that talks about death and dying, encouraging children to put their experiences into words and share with their new camper friends. A nature walk provides time for reflection and connection with the outdoors, followed by creative scrapbooking where campers design pages that honor their loved ones. In the evening, the Sharing Your Loss Ceremony offers a supportive space for each child to express their grief and feel heard by their peers. The day closes with a comforting cabin chat, bedtime reflection, and even time for swimming—balancing healing conversations with fun and relaxation.

Day 3 is centered on helping campers recognize, express, and honor their emotions. Activities like the Suitcase of Feelings give children tools to identify and carry their emotions in healthy ways. Through creating Luminary Jars, campers find a creative outlet for reflection and remembrance, which later become part of a moving Luminary Ceremony that lights the night with love and memory. The Tear Activity provides a gentle opportunity to release sadness, while guided discussions about guilt and regret offer campers space to process complicated feelings. Alongside these meaningful moments, swimming and free time bring balance, joy, and connection to the day.

Day 4 helps campers focus on self-care and preparing to bring the lessons of camp back into daily life. The morning begins with calming yoga, giving children tools to manage stress and emotions with movement and breath. Activities centered on gratitude encourage campers to recognize sources of strength and joy, even in the midst of loss. The camp concludes with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony, where loved ones are invited to join and celebrate each child’s journey. This final day is a meaningful send-off, reminding campers that while camp ends, the support, healing, and hope they found here will continue with them.