Campers are required to be between the ages of 4-14.

Kid’s Camp is completely free thanks to our generous donors.

Upon arrival, your child will be provided with a colored bandana based on their group color and a camp t-shirt. They will also be provided with lunch, snacks, and beverages. If your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please notate that on their camper application. If you choose to pack a lunch for your child, our staff and volunteers will ensure it is stored safely.

If your child requires medication throughout the day, please notate that on the camper application and check in the medication with the registration desk upon arrival.

Children are placed into groups based on their age to ensure the questions and activity variations are developmentally appropriate. Children’s concept of death and responses to grief vary depending on their developmental stage.

While grief exists in many other capacities, our camps and programs are specifically designing for children grieving the death of a loved one.

New Hope Center for Grief Support staff and trained volunteers will serve as camp counselors. Each group will have multiple camp counselors, including police officers and mental health clinicians. Adult volunteers are required to pass a criminal background check, go through a volunteer interview process, and complete our Kid’s Camp volunteer training.

No. Regardless of who or when the child experienced the death of a loved one, they are encouraged to attend camp.

Our volunteers will spend time connecting with your child and encouraging them to participate in our activities. If your child continues to share that they are homesick, we will allow them to place a phone call to their caregiver.

We understand that camp can be a long day. If a child exhibits behavioral challenges, the camp counselors will talk to the child. If the behavior continues, there are designated staff members and volunteers that are available to spend time with the child while they regulate. This may include walking around the farm and visiting with animals or simply taking a break in the shade. If the behaviors continue and cause physical and/or emotional harm to others, we will reach out to you and determine the best course of action.

We understand that caregivers have jobs and obligations that may make it difficult to drop off or pick up your child at the designated times. If this is the case, please let us know who the designated pick-up person is. Upon their arrival, they will be asked to provide picture identification prior to the child being released into their care.

We are so excited that you are interested in volunteering for Kid’s Camp! Please complete the below steps and reach out to courtney@newhopecenter.net if you have any questions.

Step 1

Complete the Adult Volunteer Application or Teen Volunteer Application.

Step 2

Complete the Healing With Horses and Michigan Jags waivers and email them to [email protected]. If you prefer to complete hard copies, please feel free to stop by our office during our business hours (M-TH: 10:00am-4:00pm, F: 10:00am-1:00pm).

Step 3

Sign up on Sign Up Genius for the Kid’s Camp Volunteer Training and Orientation dates. Different information is covered at each, so please plan to attend both if your schedule allows.

Note: Teen volunteers need permission from their legal guardian and should complete the forms and waivers together.

• Kid’s Group Leader (must commit to both days/times)
• Kid’s Group Team Member (must commit to both days/times)
• Security
• Registration
• Station Activity Leader (must commit to both days/times)
• Station Activity Assistant
• Food Prep (limited availability)
• Nurse’s Station
• Therapy Dog (proof of certification and insurance required)

If you have any questions about individual or group volunteer opportunities, please contact [email protected].

We have two different training opportunities that each cover different information. If you are unable to attend one or both of the trainings, please reach out to [email protected].

The training and orientation will include information on children’s developmental stages and how that impacts their concept of death and common responses to death, how to best engage with the children, and additional information related to children and grief.

Once you have completed the volunteer application, please sign up for the training and/or orientation through Sign Up Genius.

Kid’s Camp Volunteer Training

Date: June 10, 2024

Time: 5:00-6:30pm

Location: Plymouth First United Methodist Church, 45201 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170

Kid’s Camp Volunteer Orientation

Date: Monday, July 15, 2024

Time: 2:30-4:30pm

Location: Maybury Farm, 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167

Note: Please bring a lawn chair to this training.