Camp Mend A Heart and
Camp Chimaqua Bereavement Camps
"Camp helped me feel like a weight was lifted off my back. Now I feel like I can live again!" ~ Alix, age 10
What are Camp Mend A Heart and Camp Chimaqua?
Camp Mend A Heart is a one day camp for children and teens ages 6-18 who are coping with the death of a loved one. It is held on a Saturday in June at York YWCA's Camp Cann-Edi-On. Camp Chimaqua is an overnight weekend camp for grieving children ages 6-12. It is held in June at Camp Donegal in York County from a Friday afternoon to late Sunday morning. At Camp Donegal, campers and their buddies enjoy the excitement of a camping experience, sleeping in cabins with showers and bathroom facilities. Both camps provide a healing environment that is safe and accepting for children to share with others who have experienced the death of a loved one. The camps help children to explore normal grief responses and to understand and express their own feelings.
What is the purpose of the Camps?
Our focus is on helping children learn about loss, develop coping skills and build self-confidence. This is achievable through fun-filled activities and opportunities for small and large group sharing.
Who are the staff at the Camps?
The well-being, safety and enjoyment of our campers is our first concern. Both camps are staffed by professional counselors and trained volunteers. An adult buddy is paired with one or two children to provide constant companionship, support and supervision throughout the camp stay. A camp nurse is on-site at all times.
How much do these Camps cost?
Thanks to the Hospice Circle of Friends and community support, the cost to attend Camp Mend A Heart is $15 per child, and the cost to attend Camp Chimaqua is $25 per child. Financial assistance is available.
Pathways Center for Grief & Loss
4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552
(717) 391-2413 or (800) 924-7610
En español: (717) 391-2440
pathways@hospicecommunity.org
