Grief Support Offerings for Children & Teens
Children and teens have different bereavement needs than adults do. Whatcom Hospice offers short-term grief support, events, and other services to children and teens who have experienced the death of a significant person, and to the adults who are caring for them.
If you are interested in our pediatric bereavement services, please fill out our interest form, call us at (360)788-6690, or email us at WhatcomHospiceGrief@peacehealth.org.
Camp Kaleidoscope
Camp Kaleidoscope is a free weekend sleepover camp for children ages 6-17 grieving the death of a significant person in their life. Our 2025 camp will be held in August, and applications will open in January. For more information, please see our Camp Kaleidoscope page.​
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camp Kaleidoscope? Camp Kaleidoscope is a FREE grief camp for grieving children who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life.
When is Camp Kaleidoscope? June 7-9 2024
Where will camp be located? We are 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 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 an unexpected death due to car accident, heart attack, etc. are also invited to attend camp.
Who is Facilitating Camp? Camp Kaleidoscope is led by professional staff and caring trained volunteers. All adults supporting campers are required to attend extensive trainings, complete health screenings and background checks. The volunteers support campers in many different roles, including big buddies in the cabins and supporting campers with creative expression.
What can my child expect to do at camp? The weekend includes 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.
What we Believe! We believe that all children deserve to be safe and feel free to be their full, honest, whole selves at camp. We create a space that will be safe and inclusive to all children, and welcome the diversity and uniqueness of each child. We work hard to ensure that every child is cared for, seen, and able to trust 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 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.
Contact us! If you have questions or would like to request an application.
Testimonials
Both of my kids enjoyed their time at camp and it opened conversation about their dad once they were home.
Amazing opportunity for your child to be supported with other children who have been through the same thing.
The tools you gave our daughter helped! She came back from camp a different child and seems to be more at peace! Thank you
Learn More
For more information, please contact Lulu Verneuil, Camp Kaleidoscope Coordinator at 360-733-5877 or 360-603-8831. whatcomhospicegrief@peacehealth.org
