Most children just want to feel normal and when a loved one dies, they can feel anything but normal. Going to camp with other grieving children shows them that they are not alone. Activities will allow the campers to talk and have a safe place to express their feeling. These camps also include non-grief related activities which is important so they can learn it is okay to be “just a kid.” There are several of these kind of camps in our region and we encourage our families to look into them to see if they would be right for your children.
Pennsylvania
Camp Millie
When is Camp?
Date: Monday, June 24th – Thursday, June 27th
- Registrations are accepted beginning September 1st
- Recommend registration by May 5th
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where is Camp?
Location: Camp is held at the Central Community Center, located at 2067 Steelman Rd, Lansdale.
Contact: For registration, cost and other information, please email Lois at Ih@bereavementcenter.org or call 610-222-4115.
What is the Cost?
There is a $100 fee for camp, with discounts for siblings and some partial scholarships.
Who Can Attend?
Children ages 6 to 14, who commit to the entire four days of camp.
Services Offered?
Adult Buddies guide campers through discussions, games and crafts which are designed to explore their varied feelings of grief.
How to Register?
- Call the Center at 610-222-4115
- Email Lois at Ih@bereavementcenter.org
- Visit www.bereavementcenter.org, print out the camp registration form, complete and mail to the center. You will then be contacted for a screening appointment
Delaware
Camp New Hope
When is Camp?
Tuesday, June 18-Friday, June 21, 2019 ( 9:30am-3:30pm) at Lums Pond State Park
Tuesday, June 25th –Friday, June 28, 2019 ( 9:30am-3:30pm) at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Contact: Michelle August at 302-856-7717 or email maugust@delawarehospice.org
What is the Cost?
Free of charge including lunch and snacks.
Who Can Attend?
Ages 6-17 who are coping with the loss of a loved one.
Services Offered?
Four day summer day camp for children that offers a variety of traditional and bereavement activities, campers have opportunities to interact with other children who have experienced loss.
How to Register?
To request and application call (302) 856-7717 or (302) 478-5707. To download the application online, visit https://www.delawarehospice.org/get-help/camp-new-hope/
New Jersey
Camp Firefly
When is Camp?
August 24-25, 2019, Sat and Sunday one-night overnight camp.
Residency Requirements: Must reside in Burlington, Camden or Gloucester, NJ counties
Contact: (856) 552-1300
Location: 1303 Stokes Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
What is the Cost?
There is no cost to campers or their families. A $25 place-holding deposit is requested upon acceptance. The deposit will be returned upon the camper’s arrival.
Who Can Attend?
7 to 14 years old.
Services Offered?
Throughout the camp weekend, activities designed to help ease grief are combined with traditional fun camp experiences such as swimming, canoeing, cookouts, and arts-and-crafts.
How to Register?
Contact the “Camp Firefly Specialist” at Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association at (856) 552-1300 to request an application. Free assistance is available for those needing help in completing the application.
https://www.moorestownvna.org/services/hospice/camp-firefly