a Grief Camp for Children

Camp Kaleidoscope

Friday, August 4 – Sunday, August 6, 2023

Camp Kaleidoscope is a FREE weekend sleepover camp for children ages 6-12 grieving the death of a significant person in their life. Campers will experience a weekend that combines grief education and emotional support with fun and traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and trained volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills and make friends with peers who are also grieving.

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A Safe and Inclusive Space

Whatcom Hospice believes that all children deserve to be safe and feel free to be their full, honest, whole selves at camp. We are creating a space that will be safe and inclusive to all children and welcome the diversity and uniqueness that each child will bring. We will work hard to ensure that every child is cared for, seen, and trusts that they can go to any adult for support.

We also believe that every child has the right to “pass” at camp. We know that grief is hard, messy, and can be unpredictable. It’s important to us that all campers have autonomy to navigate their grief experience at camp and are able to make choices about how they want to participate throughout the weekend.

Apply Now

Families interested in this opportunity can fill out and send in the attached application.

Camper spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis from when the application is received.

Download an Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will camp be located? We will be hosting camp at Camp Lutherwood, which is located on the north shores of Lake Samish.

Who can attend Camp Kaleidoscope? Children ages 6-12 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. Children will need to be able to spend the night in a cabin with other campers their ages.

Is it ok if the person did not die on hospice? Yes. The death experienced may have been supported by Whatcom Hospice, but this is not necessary. Children experiencing the unexpected death due to car accident, heart attack, etc. are also invited to attend camp.

Who is Facilitating Camp? Camp Kaleidoscope will be led by professional staff and caring trained volunteers. All adults supporting campers will be required to attend extensive trainings, complete health screenings and background checks. The volunteers will support campers in many different roles, including as big buddies in the cabins and supporting campers with creative expression.

What can my child expect to do at camp? The weekend will include traditional summer camp activities, including swimming, campfires, art and music, as well as creative grief activities to honor and remember the person who died. Campers can also expect opportunities
to be silly and goofy and to have a lot of fun.

How is Camp Kaleidoscope funded and supported? Camp Kaleidoscope is supported by the generous Whatcom Hospice Foundation and there is no charge to families or campers.