Shannon’s Hope Camp
An overnight beach experience with kids who get it
Shannon’s Hope Camp
When a child experiences the death of a parent, sibling, or loved one, caregivers often worry about how that loss will affect their emotional well-being, friendships, and sense of safety. Shannon’s Hope Camp is a free grief camp for children and teens that provides compassionate support during one of the hardest seasons a family can face.
Since 1989, Bridges of Hope has hosted Shannon’s Hope Camp, making it one of the longest-running bereavement camps in the country. Our experience has helped us create a program that caregivers trust—trauma-informed, age-appropriate, and facilitated by trained professionals and volunteers who understand childhood grief.
Camp is intentionally structured to offer a healthy balance of guided grief support activities and traditional camp fun. Children are gently encouraged to talk about their loss while also having time to play, relax, and connect with peers who have experienced similar grief. Many caregivers share that their child returns home feeling less alone, more understood, and better equipped to cope.
Shannon’s Hope Camp is safe, supportive, meaningful—and completely free to families.
Explore the rest of this page to learn more about the camp experience, what your child can expect, and how to register. We are honored to walk alongside your family as you support your child through grief.
Next Camp Dates: Feb 28th – March 1st
What to Expect
Lodging
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This is camp – but not camping. Campers stay with other kids & counselors in a cabin with heat/air conditioning, a bathroom, a shower & a bunk bed all with a view of the ocean.
Groups
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Going to camp means making new friends. Campers are placed in groups of 6-10 peers throughout the workshops, activities and meals so they will get plenty of hang time.
What to Bring
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Just the essentials – a sleeping bag & pillow, towel, change of clothes, flashlight, sunscreen & toiletries.
Food
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Meals and snacks provided including heaping portions of pancakes, eggs, yogurt, cinnamon rolls, hamburgers, chicken fingers, a salad bar, mac & cheese, fresh fruit, granola bars, and desserts. The cafeteria is peanut-free and vegetarian & gluten-free options are available.
Buddy
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Each youth is matched with a caring adult who will help them get settled in, attend workshops with them, listen when they need to talk, & hang out together throughout camp. All volunteers undergo an extensive background check & receive training.
Parents
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Your child may have a lot to share after camp so we encourage you to plan some time afterwards to ask them about their experience and be prepared to listen for a while if possible. And don’t worry, we’ll prepare you with information about what they did & even some suggested questions you might ask to get the conversation going.
Fun
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It wouldn’t be camp without free time to play soccer, shoot some hoops, participate in a drumming circle, take a walk on the beach or just relax in the sun or the shade.
Workshops
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Each session is engaging & unique as we use music, art, writing, kite-flying on the beach & a candlelight ceremony to help campers deal with what they are going through. And they will *never* be forced to share unless they are ready to do so.
Schedule
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Saturday
- Arrival, Cabin-Move In & Snacks
- Opening Ceremony
- Workshop 1
- Lunch
- Workshop 2
- Free Time
- Workshop 3
- Dinner
- Drumming Circle
- Workshop 4
- Candlelight Ceremony
- Bonfire/S’mores
- Lights Out
Sunday
- Breakfast/Pack-Up
- Workshop 5
- Kite-Flying on the Beach
- Closing Ceremony
- Pick-Up/Bus Departure
Get Started
1. Enroll
Complete the Stepping Stones Membership Form
3. Register
Register for Shannon’s Hope Camp