Camp Good Grief Volunteers Briana Madison (left) and Emilie Stickley (right) at this year’s camp in Cedaredge.
As someone well-acquainted with HopeWest’s programs, Briana Madison, Heirlooms Regional Director, felt she understood Camp Good Grief, a weekend camp dedicated to helping children navigate the loss of a loved one. However, it wasn’t until she stepped into the role of a camp volunteer “buddy” that she truly grasped the profound impact of this camp.
More than just an outdoor camp for kids, Camp Good Grief provides a safe and compassionate environment for children and teens. With the support of HopeWest Kids staff and trained volunteers, they are guided through activities such as art, music, and storytelling to express emotions and learn skills to cope with grief.
“The camp strikes a balance between the ‘hard stuff’ and the ‘fun stuff’,” said Briana.
Seamlessly orchestrated by the HopeWest Kids team, each activity and group session built upon the previous one, and the growth of the campers over the weekend was evident.
Briana, having been personally impacted by loss, which inspired her to volunteer as a buddy, says this experience is one that will remain with her for the rest of her life.
“Toward the end of the weekend, my camper asked me if I came to camp because I wanted to play mini golf and ping pong,” shared Briana. “I explained that I came to camp because I also lost my special person when my mom died, and I wanted to help kids who have been through the same thing.”
Her camper recognized the emotion in Briana’s voice and grabbed her hand. The camper repeated some of the comforting words of encouragement Briana had shared throughout the weekend: It’s okay to be sad. It’s sad when we lose the people we love. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
“This moment felt like a true testament to the camp experience, as my camper had gained new tools to support others who are grieving as well as the tool to navigate their own grief,” said Briana. “Needless to say, I will return to camp for years to come.”
Briana has since enthusiastically encouraged others to consider volunteering as a Camp Good Grief buddy. This role, she says, simply requires listening and the willingness to adopt healthy coping skills, which she believes can be learned at any age.
“This moment felt like a true testament to the camp experience, as my camper had gained new tools to support others who are grieving as well as the tool to navigate their own grief. Needless to say, I will return to camp for years to come.”
Briana Madison, Camp Good Grief Volunteer
