Grief Camps for Children and Adolescents

Now Accepting Applications

Teen: April 2, 2022
Thorpewood Retreat Center, Thurmont MD, grades 9-12 (transportation provided)
Applications due March 18 - space is limited

Weekend: June 10-12, 2022
Skycroft Conference Center, Middletown MD, grades 1-8 (transportation provided)
Applications due May 12 - space is limited

One Day: September 24, 2022
Frederick Health Village, Frederick MD, grades 1-8

2021 Safety Guidelines/Protocols

View Our Camp Jamie Brochure

Camp Jamie is a special opportunity for grieving children and adolescents to come together to talk about their feelings related to the death of someone special, and learn coping skills for dealing with those feelings. Camp Jamie is held three times per year. Our teen and weekend sleepover camps are held in the spring. Our one day camp is held in the fall. Each camp provides unique opportunities to express and communicate grief in a healthy and safe environment.

Who are the staff members?
Camp Jamie staff includes professional bereavement counselors and specially trained volunteers. Children accepted for weekend sleepover camp are paired with an adult volunteer called a Big Buddy, with whom he or she will spend the weekend. Big Buddies provide companionship, support, friendship and lots of individualized attention for their Little Buddy. Our one day camp is facilitated by our bereavement counselors and trained long time Camp Jamie volunteers.

What are the types of activities?
In addition to grief education and support, campers also enjoy camp activities such as team games, arts/crafts, hiking, campfires with storytellers and pet therapy.

All activities provide plenty of opportunities for the children to express themselves and develop bonds with others. Through interactions with other children and adults, campers learn that they are not alone in their grief.

Our Music Therapist assists the kids in helping to write and perform a song for their families once they return from camp.

What is the cost?
Thanks to our generous donors, Camp Jamie is available to the children of Frederick County at no charge.

To register a child or become a volunteer for Camp Jamie, please download our application. For further questions, call the Hospice office at 240-566-3030. Space is limited, so be sure to register early.