Why is Comfort Zone Camp® special?

Comfort Zone Camp® is the nation's largest independent bereavement camp, located in the Richmond, Virginia, metropolitan area. Currently, we offer camps in Virginia and the New York Metropolitan area for grieving children from across the country.   We hold camps for children ages 7-12 and a separate camp for teens age 13-17.

But above all, what makes our Camp so special, is the combination of special children and special volunteers.

Why should my child attend?

One of the most difficult parts of grieving as a child, is the feeling of loneliness. After spending a weekend at Camp, campers realize they are not alone - there are many others who will face the same milestones without a parent and who understand the awkward silences of friends. This understanding is tremendously comforting for children.

The campers will spend the weekend under the watchful care and devotion of a trained adult volunteer, who is "theirs" unconditionally for the whole weekend. Comfort Zone Camp®'s program is designed to mirror how children traditionally grieve - with tears, smiles and memories scattered among playing times and formal sharing times called "healing circlesSM."

While most children will be at least hesitant about attending a bereavement camp, take a look at what some of our "hesitant" campers have said:

"This is in the top five coolest things I have ever done."

"Camp was great and I can't wait to come back."

"Now I know I'm not alone."

"Make it longer!"

What is a "healing circleSM"?

Healing circlesSM are small groups of campers and their Big Buddies that convene a number of times through the weekend. These circles are led by experienced grief therapists and all children are encouraged - as they feel ready -- to share stories about their loved ones. Discussions include techniques to cope with their feelings, ways to handle the awkward silences and comments made by friends, and other important topics for children.

Who can attend Comfort Zone Camp®?

Our regular camp sessions are open to any child who has experienced the loss of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver, regardless of when the death occurred.

To register for a camp session, check our calendar for the available camp dates. Complete the camper application available here or by calling our office at (866) 488-5679 (toll free) or (804) 377-3430.

After the Camp office receives the application, a grief counselor will contact you to talk with you first-hand about your child. The counselor will review your child's bereavement history and give you an overview of what to expect from Camp. If we mutually agree that Comfort Zone Camp® is a good fit for your child and there is space available, you will receive a confirmation letter with your child's acceptance.

If we are unable to meet your child's needs, we will call to discuss this with you.

Can siblings attend Camp together?

Absolutely, if they fit in the age groups designated for that particular Camp. We try to separate siblings as much as possible during grief-related activities.

What is the cost to attend?

Comfort Zone Camp® is free to all attendees, thanks to the tremendous generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, grants, civic organizations, and others. If you are unable to afford getting to Camp, we have funds available specifically to assist in getting the camper and a parent/caregiver to Virginia.

What do we bring to Camp?

A packing list is included with the camper application and also with the camper acceptance packet mailing. If you cannot acquire the items on the list, please let us know and we may be able to assist you.

Can a parent/guardian volunteer and attend the same camp with their child?

No, but a parent/guardian may volunteer at a camp at which their child is not in attendance.

What do volunteers do at Camp?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Volunteers are primarily needed as "Big Buddies" for a particular child. Our Camp features a 1:1 ratio of grieving child, or "Little Buddy" to "Big Buddy." Big Buddies do everything with their Little Buddies throughout the weekend, including arts and crafts, recreation activities and healing circle groups.

We also have a number of arts and crafts helpers and "floaters" to provide general camp support throughout the weekend. Junior Counselor volunteers serve as peer mentors and offer assistance to big buddies, healing circles, and arts and crafts. Junior counselors must be at least 15 years of age and attend volunteer training. It is not a requirement to have experienced a death to apply. Trained grief counselors and recreation leaders are also needed and are encouraged to volunteer.

How can I volunteer?

Our Camp relies on volunteer support. A previous loss is not a requirement for a volunteer, only a deep respect for children and a commitment to opening your heart for a weekend.

Volunteers are required to attend a 6-hour volunteer training class and clear criminal background checks.

To apply, complete the volunteer application package available here or by calling us at (866) 488-5679 (toll free) or (804) 377-3430.

If selected as a volunteer, you will need to schedule your training, authorize criminal background checks and let us know for which camps you are available.

How can I support Comfort Zone Camp®?

Comfort Zone Camp® is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are always welcome and appreciated and can be made by writing a check, made payable to Comfort Zone Camp®, and mailing to: 4906 Cutshaw Avenue, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23230 . If you would like to earmark your donation to a particular item, please let us know. If you would like a brochure, video or any other background information sent to you, please contact us.

Donations of any amount are welcome. It costs $700 to sponsor one child for a weekend, $20,000 for an entire camp. You can also support us and your community through one of our major annual fundraising events, such as:

• Golf Tournament
• Grief Relief Black Tie/Silent Auction
• Fall Bash
• 5K Run

Our dream is to buy land and build buildings to be the nation’s first full-time bereavement camp, welcoming children from all over the country.