We are proud to offer two bereavement camps each year for school-aged children that have suffered the loss of a loved one. Research in the field of grief management shows that camps are promising venues to help bereaved children develop and build resilience in dealing with loss. In addition to participating in many of the camp activities that Marmon Valley Farm has to offer (such as horseback riding, challenge courses, archery, fishing, rock wall climbing, etc.), we also participate in small group discussions, healing art activities, and remembrance services. We feel that the most valuable thing our camp accomplishes, is connecting children to other children their age that have experienced similar loss - many of our campers leave camp feeling like they are not alone in their grief.
The first camp is our Teen Retreat, offered in April of each year. This is a weekend camp for teenagers, ages 14-18. We stay overnight Friday night - Sunday morning, and all meals are provided as well. This year’s teen retreat is April 5th - 7th. (Application Deadline: March 29th.)
Camp Braveheart is offered in June of each year. This is a day camp for kids, ages 5-13. This is not an overnight camp, and requires pick-up and drop-off daily. It takes place from 9:00am-3:15pm, Wednesday-Friday. Breakfast, snack, and lunch are provided each day. We also enjoy a visit from The Columbus Zoo each year, which is really a big hit with the campers! This year’s Camp Braveheart is June 5th - 7th. (Application Deadline: May 22nd.)
Both events are 100% FREE for all participants. This is made possible by Universal Home Health and Hospice, The Green Hills Foundation, and The United Way of Logan County. Both events have a team of trained, background-checked volunteers that include hospice professionals, social workers, and nurses (at Braveheart). Both camps take place at Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio.
Online applications for both the Teen Grief Retreat and Camp Braveheart can be found below. (Teen Grief Retreat is first, followed by Camp Braveheart at the bottom of the page.)
