Kid's Camp
Our annual kid’s grief camp is designed to help children connect with other children to know they are not alone in their grief, achieve opportunities to learn about the reactions and emotions associated with grief, the significance of developing healthy coping skills, and ways to grow through the grief journey by sharing our stories. Our Kid’s Camp is for children between the ages of 4-14 who are grieving the death of a loved one. Thanks to our generous donors, our camp is offered free of charge.
"I learned that there are many people that
understand what I'm going through."
- Pink Team Camper
days until
Kid's Camp
At our 2024 Kid's Camp, we are going to get on par with our grief by learning...
PATIENCE
RESILIENCE
DRIVE
Ready to join in the Kid's Camp fun? Register Today!
WHEN?
WHERE?
WHAT?
WAIVERS?
Thursday, July 25 & Friday, July 26, 2024 from 9:00am-4:00pm
Maybury Farm, 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167
Children are grouped by age and then rotate through nine different activities over the course of two days.
The Healing with Horses Waiver and Michigan Jaguars Participation Waiver and Release of Liability are required for all camp participants and volunteers. Please send both of the completed forms to programoffice@newhopecenter.net or mail them to New Hope at 133 W. Main Street, Suite 113, Northville, MI 48167. If you are unable to print the forms, please call New Hope’s office at 248-348-0115 or email us to have copies mailed to you.
Camp Activities
Our activity stations vary each year, but below are some of our favorite activities we have done in the past. From soccer and basketball to art therapy and animal engagement, we have a wide variety of activities. Each station incorporates a grief-related lesson while still allowing children to have fun and connect with one another.
Our 2023 Kid's Camp
Together, we learned that tackling grief takes courage to face your grief, practice to make you stronger, and perseverance to grow through it.
Kid's Camp is offered free of charge.
Kid's Camp FAQs
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 courtney@newhopecenter.net. 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 courtney@newhopecenter.net.
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 courtney@newhopecenter.net.
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.