Supporting Children Through Grief Since 1996
Camp Good Grief has been a cornerstone of compassionate care for grieving children since 1996, when child life specialists at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital founded it to support siblings of oncology patients. Over the decades, the program has grown to serve children who have experienced the death of a parent, as well as those impacted by violence through the Special Victims Program. Each year, Loma Linda University Child Life Specialist MS students have the opportunity to participate in these camps—and this year, we were among them.
Inside the Camp Experience
We had the opportunity to be camp counselors at Camp Good Grief, Special Victims. Campers in attendance had lost a parent or sibling to homicide or suicide. They were able to participate in various therapeutic, remembrance activities, as well as encouraged to express their grief and feelings. The goal was that they would learn to cope with their grief in a healthy way, and realize that they are not alone. They were also able to participate in other fun camp activities, such as going on nature hikes, participating in game nights, making s'mores, and singing songs! Ashley and I participated in all of this with them!
We were assigned to two campers who we cared for the entire weekend. The four of us shared a room together, and we accompanied them to each of the grief sessions. It was an amazing experience to watch the facilitators lead these grief sessions, as well as become educated about what developmentally appropriate grief activities are.
Ashley Gonzalez and Kaitlyn Saunders served as camp counselors during the Camp Good Grief Special Victims weekend, supporting children through grief and healing.
Preparing the Next Generation of Child Life Specialists
The experience impacted us both personally and professionally. It provided us with valuable insight into what grief can look like in children and adolescents, especially after traumatic loss, and taught us the importance of providing compassionate, individualized support. We left camp feeling more prepared for our future careers and more aware of the importance of creating safe spaces where children can process grief, express emotions, and begin healing.
To learn more about the support services offered through Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, visit Camp Good Grief.
Written by Ashley Gonzalez and Kaitlyn Saunders, Child Life Specialist MS students