parents & guardians

 

 

What is Comfort Zone Camp?

Comfort Zone Camp is a non-profit bereavement camp for children ages 7-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver (18 year olds still attending high school also qualify for these camps). Comfort Zone also hosts one Young Adult Camp for 18-22 year olds.

 

What will my child do at camp?

Campers participate in many typical camp activities, such as kickball, football, hiking, arts and crafts, songs, games, karaoke, camp songs and s’mores, and a low ropes challenge course. There are activities to interest any type of camper.

Though the majority of the weekend is about having traditional camp fun, Comfort Zone Camp differs in that campers also have the opportunity to share their stories and talk about their losses in their Healing Circles, or age-based support groups, which are scattered throughout the weekend.

 

What is the cost to attend?

Comfort Zone Camp is free to attend thanks to donations from individuals, corporations, grants and civic organizations.

 

Do campers need to live in a certain state to attend Comfort Zone Camp?

Campers come from across the country to attend Comfort Zone Camps. There is no restriction based on residence, but Comfort Zone Camps are located in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia. We offer travel scholarships based on need, and even take international campers.

 

How can I sign someone up for a camp?

You must complete a camper application. As a part of the applicaiton, a Comfort Zone representative will contact you to talk about your child’s loss. If we mutually determine that Comfort Zone Camp can meet the needs of your child and there is space available in your requested camp, you will get a confirmation letter of your child’s acceptance. If Comfort Zone is unable to meet your child’s needs, we will call to discuss that with you.

 

What is the selection process for campers?

The selection process is determined by the review of the camper by the grief counselor with the parent/guardian. The next criterion is based on the order in which the application was received. If a camp is full, a waiting list is maintained. 

 

How is my child matched with his or her Big Buddy?

Both campers and volunteers fill out an extensive application which allows Comfort Zone to match each individual camper with a compatible Big Buddy with a similar personality, interests, hobbies, and at times, loss type. If there is a specific trait you recommend we pair with your child, please note it in your child’s application.

 

How will my child be supervised throughout the weekend?

Campers are under constant supervision.  Because each camper is paired one-to-one with a Big Buddy adult volunteer, campers always have at least two adults in their presence. Junior Counselors, Healing Circle Leaders, Floaters, and Comfort Zone staff are also present throughout the camp weekend. At night, campers stay in cabins with their Big Buddy as well as other campers and Big Buddies in their group. 

 

Where will my child sleep?

Campers and their Big Buddies stay in cabins with bunk or cot style beds. The cabins have electricity, and heat. There are always at least three adults in a cabin. The campers typically are bunked with the same-sex members of their Healing Circle.

 

Can siblings attend camp together?

Yes, if they fit in the appropriate age range of a specified camp. We try to separate siblings as much as possible during our grief-related activities so they can have their own camp experience.

 

Can I specify a certain date or camp for my child to attend?

You can request a certain camp date, but we are not able to guarantee your child can attend the requested date. The camps fill on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Can campers come to Comfort Zone Camp more than once?

Yes, we encourage campers to continue returning to Comfort Zone Camp each year. In order to serve as many children as possible, we ask that campers attend only once during any given calendar year. You can request for your camper to attend twice in the same year, but repeat applications will be considered after those who have not yet attended Comfort Zone during that year. 

 

Are the campers provided with a list of items to bring with them or is everything provided?

We provide a list of items the campers need to bring with them to camp. The packing list is included with the camper application and is a part of the packet we mail the week before camp.

 

If a camper does not have the items required, is there a source for them to get the items if they do not have the means?

We will do our best to provide sleeping bags, pillows and various toiletries if needed.

 

Can a surviving parent/guardian volunteer at camp with their child?

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

 

Is transportation provided to the camp?  Can it be provided if not available?

There is no cost to attend our camp but we do ask local parents/guardians to provide transportation to and from camp for their children. We offer travel scholarships based on need. Please contact your local camp office if you are unable to provide transportation or need assistance.

 

Is Comfort Zone only for children?

Currently Comfort Zone Camp is only for children ages 7-17. In Virginia we offer one Young Adult camp a year for college-aged adults from around the country. In addition, Parents/Guardians can attend a dinner and discussion the first night at camp, on-site. Also, see our adult Support Group offerings, online Grief Resources, and blog.