Grief Camp for Kids

Last summer, while at Camp Widow, I learned about grief camps for kids. The experience was highly recommended by parents whose own children had attended.  I know in my life,  the relationships with fellow widows and widowers who truly get it has been life changing.  I know these connections with people near and far have made and continue to make this journey easier by helping me to feel less alone, by supporting and holding me up, by cheering me on, by giving me a kick in the butt when I need it and by giving me the gift of laughter.  I knew my sons needed this same experience, so I spent months making connections to try and find a quality camp as close as possible to home. 

The closest Camp Erin, the nationally known grief camp for kids, is in Toronto, so I contacted them.  And they found out about a camp much closer to us!  I researched the camp and it looked great so we applied and the boys were accepted (they can only take 80 kids per camp, ages 5-18, and there is a waiting list every time).  This weekend my sons attended Caring Hearts Camp.  The boys were nervous and sure that they wouldn't enjoy the experience but I asked them to keep an open mind and only participate to the extent that they were comfortable.  I dropped them off of Friday, sure that they would have some meaningful times.

I picked them up today and I am pleased to report that it was an incredible experience for both of them.   They met kids their own ages who are also learning to live after the death of a parent, sibling or other close family member.  They got to build friendships, share their stories, realize that they aren't alone, have a huge amount of fun and express their emotions in a supportive environment.  I also heard from the organizer of the camp and a camp volunteer about how great the boys were at camp.  They were caring,  very willing to share their stories and experiences and were leaders.  I have to admit that tears came to my eyes.  I am so proud of them.  They are surviving and thriving despite the death of their Dad and they are putting themselves out there to offer support to other children and teens.  My tears were tears of pride.  It was a nice change, to cry happy tears.

In the fall there is another camp and the boys have been asked to go. They loved the experience so much that they didn't even have to think twice.  Bonds with others who get it are powerful, no matter the age of the griever.  A quote the boys have on one of the things they created this weekend is "if you are old enough to love, you are old enough to grieve".  Those of you who have children learning to live without someone significant in their life, I encourage you to find a reputable grief camp. I wish I had found this camp two years ago.  It has changed my sons' lives for the better.  What an incredible gift.