Kids Camp

The loss of a loved one touches each member of the family, including children.  To help young people through their bereavement, Bristol Hospice Foundation of CA created Kids Camp.  This over-night summer camp program is specially designed for young people ages 6 – 15 that have experienced the death of a loved one.

At Kids Camp, young people enjoy traditional camping activities, such as swimming and hiking, in an atmosphere where both staff and fellow campers understand their special needs. Kids Camp is held in the Bakersfield, Fresno, and Northern California (Livermore) areas and is open to the community – attendees loved one did not have to utilize hospice services. The Fresno Camp is held in mid July, Bakersfield in late July/early August and NORCAL in mid August.

Bristol Hospice Foundation of CA would like to recognize The Taylor Family Foundation for hosting our NORCAL Kids Camp held at The Taylor Family Foundation at Camp Arroyo. The Taylor Family Foundation’s mission is to preserve the wellness and enhance the quality of life for children in Northern California with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, disabilities and youth at-risk through unique therapeutic experiences and support. For more information, please visit www.ttff.org.ion.

This innovative experience is available at no cost to families, thanks to generous support from the community. Camp participants may be referred by school counselors, healthcare providers, family members and other individuals.

Click on the Kids Camp video below for a look at what Kids Camp has to offer. Activities vary from camp to camp based on the facility, however the essence and message is the same. The video was made possible via a grant from the Kern Community Foundation.

Kids Camp Corner Activity Sheets

Click on the Title to view and print

Remembering My Person – Helps children use their 5 senses to remember their loved one.

Adults in My Life – Understand the ways kids interact with adults in their life.

My Support System – Helps children identify their support system.

Letter to My Special Person – Worksheet to help kids write a letter to their loved one.

A Special Day with My Person – Children can use as a single page diary to write about a special day with their loved one.

Remembering Using Their Name – Kids use their loved ones name to write down words that remind them of their special person.

How to Make a Paper Airplane – Instructions on how to make different paper airplanes, including the one Director Scott teaches at Kids Camp.

If you need copies of the activity sheets listed or would like addtional resources please contact the Foundation office at 661-716-8000 or cherie.shoemake@bristolhospice.com. Hard copies can be sent in the mail.

Kids Camp Dates & Locations

Bakersfield

One Day Session                                                                                             Saturday, July 22 at Madison Grove Park for ages 6-9

Overnight Session I                                                                                      Sunday, July 23 Tuesday, July 25 @ Gergen Ranch  for ages 9-12

Overnight Session II                                                                      Wednesday, July 26 – Friday, July 28 @ Gergen Ranch for ages 12-16

Fresno

One Day Session                                                                                Saturday, July 8 @ Railroad Park in Clovis for ages 6-9

Overnight  Session                                                                                 Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16 @ Camp Oakhurst for ages 9-16

NORCAL

Overnight Session                                                                                  Friday, August 11 – Sunday, August 13 @ Camp Arroyo in Livermore  for ages 9-16 Hosted by  The Taylor Family Foundation

Thank you 2022 Kids Camp Supporters

The Foundation would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make our 2022 camps a huge success. With your help 185 children from the Central Valley were able to be with other kids who, as they say, ” are just like me.” Even with the modifications that were made due to the pandemic we received numerous thank you’s from campers and parent/guardians. We had lots of smiles, new friendships were formed and coping skills were discussed and learned. Pictures are posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bristolhospicefoundationofcalifornia. Additional photos from each session will be posted to our photo gallery soon.

Referrals for 2023 are already being accepted using the form below.

Kids Camp Online Referral Form

Referral forms may be submitted year round. By completing this form the child will be placed on our registration packet mailing list for our summer camp. Registration packets will be mailed to parent/guardian six weeks prior to camp start date. A completed registration packet is required for attendance.

Camp Locations and Ages

Child's Information

Parent/Guardian/Other

Deceased Information

Referred By

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Kids Camp Photo Gallery