Camp HOPE: Children's & Family Grief Camp

Camp HOPE is a one-day grief support camp for children and their families, that incorporates many “tools of expression,” including equine-assisted learning, crafts, music, outdoor activities and more.

At Camp HOPE, participants join in arts and crafts, music, equine activities, organized play and closing ceremonies, all designed to help the campers understand their emotions, cope with tragedy, and process grief.

The objectives of Shepherd’s Cove Hospice’s Camp HOPE are to 1) provide grief support for individuals/families, 2) promote positive education concerning death/dying, grief and the possible effects in the lives of youth,  3) promote positive coping skills to decrease negative grief reactions (such as: school absenteeism and other at-risk behaviors) 4) allow children and grieving families to have fun on purpose while surrounded by others who have experienced a similar loss, helping them to feel supported and know that they are not alone.

For more information on Shepherd’s Cove Hospice’s grief support services (including Camp HOPE) contact Stacey Johnson, LBSW, sjohnson@shepherdscove.org or 256-891-7724.

In 2015, Shepherd’s Cove Hospice expanded Camp HOPE to include a Spring camp open to the community that would incorporate the entire family unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this an overnight camp?

No. Camp HOPE is a day camp for children and their families. All children have to have to be accompanied by an adult.

• Does it cost to attend?

No. Camp HOPE is available at no cost to participants, thanks to generous community support through private and corporate donations and grants.

• We've attended Camp Hope before and love it! How can I support future camps?

Camp HOPE relies on community support to continue serving grieving families across our community. Shepherd's Cove hosts two camp HOPE events each year - a Family Camp HOPE in the Spring/Summer and a school-based Camp HOPE in the Fall. There are three main ways you can support Camp HOPE:

1. Volunteer - Contact the Shepherd's Cove Grief Support department at 256-891-7724 or sledbetter@shepherdscove.org.
2. Donate supplies - Contact the Shepherd's Cove Grief Support department at 256-891-7724 or sledbetter@shepherdscove.org for a current list of supply needs.
3. Give financially - If you would like to make a financial contribution to help ensure Camp HOPE continues to serve grieving families, you can donate online at shepherdscove.org or mail or deliver a monetary donation to the following address. *Be sure to include a note specifying the gift should go toward Camp HOPE.