Dealing with death and the complex emotions that accompany grief can be incredibly challenging, especially for children and teenagers. Camp Kangaroo, a nationwide bereavement camp, provides a safe and supportive environment for young people grappling with the loss of a loved one. Funded by the Seasons Hospice Foundation and run in partnership with AccentCare, this free camp offers a unique blend of grief education, emotional support, and traditional camp activities to help children heal and process their loss.
A Safe Space to Grieve and Connect
Camp Kangaroo recognizes the importance of creating a space where children don’t have to feel alone in their grief. Yelena Zatulovsky, Vice President of Patient Experience with AccentCare, emphasizes that the camp aims to provide a safe haven for young people to express their emotions, learn coping mechanisms, and engage in open conversations about death – conversations they might otherwise be excluded from.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(709×309:711×311)/Johnny-Jones-plays-guitar-Camp-Kangaroo-122324-ff51ddea66f3473caa65a319f7f2e703.jpg)
Camp Kangaroo fosters a sense of community among children ages 5 to 17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Operating in approximately twelve states across the country, the camp offers a vital resource for grieving children from diverse backgrounds. Arielle Brown, Camp Director for Camp Kangaroo in San Pedro, California, highlights the program’s role in equipping children with the tools they need to navigate their grief journey in a healthy and meaningful way.
Structured Support and Healing Activities
Camp Kangaroo offers a structured program consisting of eight sessions tailored to different age and developmental groups. These sessions cover a range of topics, including coping with change, understanding illness, addressing fears about death, and learning to move forward with grief. Group sizes vary from intimate gatherings of 10 campers to larger groups of 50 or 60, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child. Zatulovsky explains that the camp incorporates diverse therapeutic activities, such as music, art, and creative expression, to facilitate healing and emotional processing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(507×0:509×2)/Camp-Kangaroo-Lucy-Selah-Hattie-Jones-122324-a665d1649d2f4d028f633b7cbc23a3ff.jpg)
A unique feature of Camp Kangaroo is the “Ask the Doctor” session, where an on-site medical professional answers any questions children may have about death and dying. This provides a safe and confidential environment for children to address their concerns and gain accurate information without feeling pressured to speak publicly. In addition to sessions for children, Camp Kangaroo also offers sessions for adults, empowering parents and guardians with the knowledge and skills to support their children’s healing process.
Empowering Children and Families Through Shared Experiences
Mari Jones, a mother from Clearwater, Florida, sent four of her children to Camp Kangaroo in Tampa following the death of her husband. She shares that the experience was invaluable for her children, allowing them to connect with other children who had faced similar losses and realize they weren’t alone. Jones also emphasizes the importance of the camp in providing her children with coping mechanisms and tools that she herself might not have been equipped to offer.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/Camp-Kangaroo-Johnny-Jones-park-12232-48ca09df2c9a4bd7b0fa43e74e5774ea.jpg)
Alejandro Zavala, a Camp Kangaroo counselor in South Florida, underscores the camp’s commitment to challenging the misconception that children are inherently resilient in the face of grief. He explains that while children may appear to cope well, they are often in survival mode. Camp Kangaroo staff work diligently to debunk this myth and create an environment where grieving is normalized and encouraged for both children and adults.
Giving Back and Paying it Forward: The Roo Buddy Program
The positive impact of Camp Kangaroo extends beyond its immediate campers. The program fosters a culture of giving back through its “Roo Buddy” program, where former campers volunteer to support counselors and work directly with current campers. Dylan Goldberger, a former camper and current Roo Buddy, shares his experience of finding healing and personal growth through the camp. He highlights the profound reward of making a difference in the lives of grieving children and helping them develop healthy coping strategies.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(599×0:601×2)/Camp-Kangaroo-classroom-122324-046bc0a348404350a23883e03ca71fda.jpg)
Camp Kangaroo’s commitment to accessibility ensures that its services are available to all families, regardless of their financial situation. The camp’s organizers are passionate about spreading awareness of their mission and making their resources available to as many grieving children as possible. The skills and connections forged at Camp Kangaroo extend far beyond the campgrounds, providing children with lifelong tools for navigating grief and loss. For families seeking support and guidance during a difficult time, Camp Kangaroo offers a beacon of hope and healing. To find a Camp Kangaroo location near you, visit seasonsfoundation.org/camp-kangaroo/.
