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.
2024 Kids Camp Dates & Locations
Bakersfield
One Day Session Saturday, July 20 at Madison Grove Park for ages 6-9
Overnight Session I Sunday, July 21 – Tuesday, July 23 @ Gergen Ranch for ages 9-12
Overnight Session II Wednesday, July 24 – Friday, July 26 @ Gergen Ranch for ages 12-16
Fresno
One Day Session Saturday, July 6 @ Railroad Park in Clovis for ages 6-9
Overnight Session Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14 @ Camp Oakhurst for ages 9-16
NORCAL
Overnight Session Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11 @ Camp Arroyo in Livermore for ages 9-16 Hosted by The Taylor Family Foundation
Thank you 2023 Kids Camp Supporters
The Foundation would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make our 2023 camps a huge success. With your help a record 195 children from the Central Valley were able to be with other kids who, as they say, ” are just like me.” 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. For information on how to be a 2024 Kids Camp Sponsor contact Cindy Lyday at 661-716-8000 or cindy.lyday@bristolhospice.com.
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.
Kids Camp Photo Gallery
