Grief Camps for Kids: A Way to Restore Your Child's Hope After a Loss by Roxane Goss


Grief Camps for Kids: A Way to Restore Your Child's Hope After a Loss

Grief is a natural and normal response to death and is a long process. Many children cope well with their loss, but all need the support of people around them. Their reactions to bereavement are affected by many factors. These may be related to who has died, how they died, what their relationship was with the person who has died.

Some children may appear to be completely unaffected by grief. They may try to hide their feelings so as to not burden others. It’s natural for them to be extremely upset one minute and fine the next. Children don’t know how to verbalize or express their grief. Common reactions among bereaved children include:

  • Fear they too, or their other parent, may die. 
  • Display of regressive behaviors.
  • Feelings of severe guilt as if they had caused it.
  • Anxiousness about separating from parent.
  • Feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Feeling different from their peers.

Grief camp is effective in helping children grieve. It enhances self-esteem and promotes inclusivity fostering friendship. The camp environment increases levels of hope and is a place for children to learn they are not alone. There are grief camps throughout the U.S, Canada and the world.

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Elisa Schmitz
What a wonderful resource! Thank you for this great information, Roxane Goss . So appreciate you sharing this so many kids can benefit!
Roxane Goss
You're so very welcome Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds . When you're in the midst of grief, it's so hard to find all the resources or to even know some exist. My hope is this will find it's way to someone that is looking for this type of help for their children.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks for sharing this with us, Roxane Goss . What a wonderful resource for kids! I hope that the info. reaches lots of kids and families.
Roxane Goss
Thanks so much Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! I certainly hope so too!

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