Camp Clover Bereavement Day Camp
Atlantic Visiting Nurse
Registration is now open for a free bereavement day camp for children who have experienced the death of a close relative or friend.
Camp Clover offers a supportive and fun environment for children, grades 1-8, to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss, learn healthy coping strategies, and express their grief in a safe and nurturing space.
“Childhood grief is a complex issue that can have long-lasting effects on a child’s emotional wellbeing,” said Mary Ellen Diana, Hospice Director at Atlantic Visiting Nurse, which runs the camp.
“Our goal is to provide children with the tools and support they need to navigate their grief journey in a healthy and positive way. Camp Clover offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with others who understand what they’re going through, and to build resilience through fun activities and educational programming.”
Camp Clover is staffed by licensed grief counselors, trained volunteers, and experienced camp counselors who are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for all children. The camp includes a variety of activities such as art therapy, music therapy, nature walks, and team-building games.
Camp counselor and former camper, Michael Kavouras, said: “I started attending Camp Clover at 12 years old when my mother passed away. It was so helpful to be with other kids my age that had a similar loss”
“It’s not easy losing someone that you loved, I continued to attend as a camper and now volunteer as a camp counselor helping other kids feel like they are not alone”
Michael’s father, Thomas Kavouras Jr. said: “My son was able to connect with other children who had experienced the loss of a parent, which helped him feel less alone in his grief. I am forever grateful to Camp Clover for the support they provided my family.”
Camp Clover will take place from August 14-17, 2023 at Camp Riverbend, in Warren, New Jersey. Registration is free and open to all children in grades 1-8 who have experienced the death of a close relative or friend. Space is limited, so interested families and guardians are encouraged to register early at: atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/visiting-nurse/hospice/camp-clover.html.
