Camp Courage

Upcoming programs
Camp Courage
Sept. 30 – Oct. 1
Camp Lavigne
Benton, Pa.

Welcome to Camp Courage

Campers between ages 6 and 18 come together with other children and teenagers who’ve had similar losses to learn new ways to deal with grief. The camp is free and offers many fun activities. 

Camp Courage is held twice a year in the beautiful Pennsylvania outdoors. Grief work is balanced with fun activities and access to a wide range of amenities.

How we help healing

Every Camp Courage camper is paired with a “Big Buddy” for the weekend. The Big Buddy is there for the camper if they want to talk, provides careful supervision and guarantees the camper has a friend at every activity.

The campers learn ways to express their grief through journaling, music, physical activity, creating memory boxes and other guided activities. Campers are also encouraged to share their feelings and support each other in a safe, caring environment with small groups of peers and adult volunteers.

Free time gives campers and their Big Buddies a chance to explore activities including archery, rock wall climbing, zip lining, fishing, paddle boating, visits with therapy dogs, games and sports.

Support volunteers make sure activities are organized and ready for campers, and provide breaks for Big Buddies.

Campers typically come from Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. But we welcome campers from other areas, too.

Supporting grieving kids

Camp Courage is free to all campers. To help us meet our mission of supporting and helping grieving children heal, we need volunteers, sponsorships and donations.

Funding for this year’s camping season is provided by many people who support Geisinger, community members, churches and area businesses. Learn more about becoming a camp volunteer, to sponsor a camper or to donate.

Contact

Questions? Call 570-271-6461 or email bereavementcamps@geisinger.edu. Once we receive a child’s application, we’ll call the parent/guardian to schedule an interview.

We also welcome the opportunity to speak to organizations, civic groups, churches and schools about our programs. Contact bereavementcamps@geisinger.edu to learn more.