All children grieve when someone they love dies, but children often grieve differently than adults. Just because a child does not cry or appear sad does not mean he or she is not feeling the loss deeply. Any child old enough to love is old enough to grieve.

When adults are grieving, it can be difficult to know how to assist children with their grief. Childhood grief can manifest itself in ways such a child having trouble getting along with others, problems in school, or getting into fights or squabbles which are uncharacteristic for them.

Camp Forget-Me-Not is a one-day outdoor activity camp designed to help children deal with grief. Our intention is to give the children at our camp a chance to be around other children who have recently experienced the death of an important person in their lives with the hope they will not feel so alone. We also want them to know that they can be sad and still have fun and enjoy life. We utilize activities to help children find uplifting ways to celebrate the life of their loved one. Activities include the following:

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  • Music
  • Writing notes to loved ones
  • Animal encounters – petting or holding animals
  • Exploring emotions by making ornaments with colors for each emotion
  • Art

The camp’s educational content and activities have been developed by our bereavement clinicians. The camp is staffed by clinicians who can engage children in one-on-one interaction.

Note: Children who have lost a sibling or who have lost a loved one to suicide, will be referred to Primary Children’s Bereavement Services.

Camp Registration

There are no more camps scheduled for 2018.