Bereavement Camps

When children lose a loved one, who do they turn to? What feelings go through their young minds? What can we do to help them in their grieving process?

Camp Good GriefTo help answer these questions, Baptist Trinity Hospice created the Mid-South's first children's bereavement camp — Camp Good Grief — in 1999.

The goal of the free annual bereavement camp is to give area children — ages 7 to 12 — an enjoyable, accepting and supportive environment where they can freely express their feelings about the loss of a loved one. Under the guidance of professional bereavement staff, campers have the opportunity to meet with other children who have experienced similar losses and to engage in activities involving art, music, and recreation through which they can explore their grief. Support groups are also a part of the day camp, enabling the children to explore their grief.

Teen Camp Good GriefTo help meet the unique grief needs of Mid-South adolescents, Baptist Trinity created Teen Camp Good Grief, an annual overnight bereavement camp for adolescents 13-16 who have lost a loved one in the last two years. Under the guidance of professional bereavement staff, participants will meet other teens who have experienced similar losses. Campers have the opportunity to explore their grief through art, music, adventure activities, and support groups.

Camp Good Grief for Adults

Because of the success of the grief camps for children and teens, Baptist held the first Camp Good Grief for Adults in September 2003. Held at Team Trek near Heber Springs, Ark., this weekend retreat for adults who have lost a spouse or child proved to be another success in helping grieving individuals and is a free, annual event offered to grieving adults in the community. Campers participate in support groups, art and trust activities, and a memorial service — all geared to the special bereavement needs of adults.

For more information or to request a camp application, please call 901-767-6767.

All three camps are made possible by contributions from the community, grants from the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation and fundraising efforts, such as the annual Art of Caring benefit. If you would like more information about the work of the Foundation or wish to make a contribution to a camp fund, please call 901-227-7121 or 800-895-4483, or click here to give securely online. Thank you for your generous support.

Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief Fund
The Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief provides free comprehensive bereavement services for children, adolescents, and adults, including our Camp Good Grief programs.

• Please click here to give to this fund.