locations

Sue Oppici

Camps and Services Manager, Massachusetts 

1)  What do you do at Comfort Zone?

Comfort Zone is new to the Boston area so I do a little of everything along with 4 other CZC “Boston Team” members who are located in Virginia and New York. We work together to let families know we are here and a free resource. I reach out to schools, organizations, hospitals and people who work with grieving children. We meet in person or over the telephone, and I introduce our program and answer any questions. I also recruit and train new volunteers, and help plan for each of the Massachusetts camp sessions from beginning to end, including “buddy matching”.

2) What do you do at camp?

I welcome our campers, parents and volunteers when they first arrive. Then lead and oversee the camps, helping to keep things organized and on schedule – and play a few rounds of Four Square!

3) How did you first become involved with CZC?

After September 11^th, Comfort Zone mailed a brochure to the zip codes in the NYC area, asking if people would like to make a difference by volunteering their time for a grieving child. My father had passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm two years prior, and I lived across the river from the Twin Towers, so the brochure called out to me. The next day, I signed up for the NJ training, volunteered at Virginia’s reunion camp, then the October 9/11 camp. I was wow’d.  Four years later, when a job was posted to open and manage the NJ office, I applied and got it. Now I’m in Boston.

4)  What is your favorite thing about Comfort Zone camp?

Just one thing? Seeing the change in the kids who attend for the first time, between Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Realizing they are with other kids who “get it”, playing, laughing, singing karaoke and making s’mores. Then after the Memorial Service, talking with some of the parents or guardians and hearing, “What happened here, my child is different.” And their child asking, “Can I come back?” No words to explain my joy for those families.

5) What is your favorite camp activity?

The Memorial Service. Each child has the opportunity to honor their loved one in their own special way with the entire camp. Sometimes they do it on their own, sometimes with a group of other campers or volunteers. I love the creativity and how tender or funny some of the messages can be. You can feel the love and support from their healing circle, their new and old camper friends and volunteers, and their own families. Each time a child or group gets up, it fills your heart, breaks your heart, makes you laugh, cry or cheer.

6) Describe Comfort Zone Camp in one word.

Incredible.

7) What would you want parents (or volunteers) to know about Comfort Zone?

It truly is a fun and safe place for grieving children. Take the leap and send your child. Comfort Zone’s program works. Or come volunteer. It will change you.