Where does Camp Hands of Hope take place?
Camp is held at various locations across South Carolina. The location of each camp will be announced when we release dates for that specific camp. To make sure you are notified as soon as that happens, you can subscribe to our newsletters and like us on Facebook.
I have heard that camp is an all expense paid weekend, is that true?
Yes! Camp is a program funded and operated by the Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation. Meals, lodging, snacks, and supplies for the activities during the weekend are generously provided by the Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation. We do ask ONCE APPROVED for camp that you pay a $50.00 application fee (PER FAMILY-NOT PER CAMPER) to help offset the administration time to process applications. If this $50.00 application fee is a financial hardship, application fee waiver forms are available.
What does a typical weekend at camp look like?
Every camp is a little different. Camp typically begins on Friday evening and is concluded by Sunday around noon. At registration each camper will be assigned to an age appropriate group. We generally start with a family activity on Friday evening and during the weekend there is a mix of family activities and smaller group activities that are geared for the specific age groups. A break in the schedule is generally provided on Saturday afternoon for private reflection and/or individual family time.
Who develops the curriculum for this weekend long camp and what type of activities should we expect?
All of the activities for the entire weekend have been developed by Certified Child Life Specialists, and individuals who have extensive experience in bereavement support.
The activities over the weekend are a mix between memory making and the opportunity to continue to process your grief. We also focus on learning to cope and deal with feelings, and on developing friendships and relationships to help you discover that you are not alone or "different" because you have experienced a loss. We support families and youth wherever they are on their grief journey. We NEVER force anyone to discuss anything.
The activities over the weekend are a mix between memory making and the opportunity to continue to process your grief. We also focus on learning to cope and deal with feelings, and on developing friendships and relationships to help you discover that you are not alone or "different" because you have experienced a loss. We support families and youth wherever they are on their grief journey. We NEVER force anyone to discuss anything.
How should I explain camp to my youth?
We encourage you to talk to your youth about camp BEFORE you RSVP. Those conversations help you determine as a family if camp is a good fit for you. Camp is a place for you to come and connect with peers who have also experienced the loss of a loved one. It is an opportunity to remember and honor your loved one. It is an opportunity to laugh, play, and occasionally shed a tear. It is a chance to make new friends and grow as an individual on your grief journey, wherever that may be.
Who attends camp?
Camp is attended by youth and their families who reside in South Carolina and have experienced the loss of a loved one in the past three years. This means at least one youth (ages 5-18) and at least one parent/guardian must attend with the youth.
Q: I have more than one youth?
A: That is fine, as long as one parent/guardian attends.
Q: Are multiple adults allowed to attend?
A: We prefer for no more than two adults per family attend. However, if you have an extenuating circumstance please contact us to discuss.
Q: I have more than one youth?
A: That is fine, as long as one parent/guardian attends.
Q: Are multiple adults allowed to attend?
A: We prefer for no more than two adults per family attend. However, if you have an extenuating circumstance please contact us to discuss.
Why is it important to have at least one parent/guardian attend camp with my youth?
Research shows that helping a parent/guardian with their grief process is critical in the overall grief process for a child. Caring for youth while grieving as an adult can be a daunting task. You may often feel as though you cannot give as much of yourself to your youth because of your grief. Attending camp as an adult will allow you to take time for yourself during the adult sessions for self care, and discover where you are in your grief journey. We will also give you tips to help your youth and your whole family post camp.
What types of loss are appropriate for camp?
At Camp Hands of Hope, we are equipped to work with youth and families who have experienced a wide variety of loss, from natural causes, illness, auto accidents, to suicide and military casualties. If you have a unique loss and are concerned if it is appropriate for camp, please feel free to contact us.
If my family or someone in my family is currently working with a grief professional, is camp a good fit for us?
We always encourage you to speak with your counselor, psychologist, pastor, or whoever you/your youth are working with to determine if our camp would be a good fit for you. We are always eager to help youth and families in need, but understand that camp is not for everyone. Our ultimate goal is not to "cure or fix" your grief but to "put tools in your tool box" so when you leave camp at the end of the weekend you feel equipped to better handle unexpected emotions and experiences.
It is grief camp, should I expect it to be a sad weekend?
Camp is different for everyone. It is about honoring and remembering your loved one while working on your grief, however; we try to approach it in ways that can include laughter, play, and fun memory making activities.
Will there be tears? That is up to the individual. This is your grief journey and your weekend at camp. Camp is a safe place and we hope you will feel comfortable sharing whatever feelings and emotions you may have during the weekend.
Will there be tears? That is up to the individual. This is your grief journey and your weekend at camp. Camp is a safe place and we hope you will feel comfortable sharing whatever feelings and emotions you may have during the weekend.
I have a teenager in my family, are there age appropriate activities?
Yes, we break up the camp into age specific groups for much of the weekend. Our curriculum experts understand that teens do not want to participate in the same activities as the younger age groups, so the teen curriculum is geared specifically to them. We also understand most teens do not get overly excited when they first hear they are coming to camp. However, it has been our experience that our teen groups end up bonding and making friendships that last long after camp is over.
Is this a religious based grief camp?
Camp Hands of Hope is not a religious based bereavement camp.
