Camp Courage
We provide a safe, nurturing place for children, teenagers and families who have lost someone close to them.
Welcome to Camp Courage
Camp Courage is free to children ages 6 – 18 who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
This two-day, two-night program provides a safe place where campers come together to explore and share their grief.
Campers learn coping skills and ways to express their feelings through journaling, music, art, outdoor adventures and more. Registered nurses and a counselor are on-site at all times.
Upcoming programs
Camp Courage takes place at beautiful Camp Lavigne in Benton. Upcoming sessions include:
Camp Courage I – Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22
Camp Courage II – Saturday, September 13*
*This camp will be one day only for returning campers.
A safe space for grief and healing
Campers learn to express their grief through journaling, music, physical activity, creating memory boxes and other guided activities. Campers are encouraged to share their feelings and support each other in a safe, caring environment with small groups of peers and adult volunteers.
We also provide plenty of time for campers to explore activities such as archery, rock-wall climbing, zip lining, fishing, paddle boating, visits with therapy dogs, games, sports and more. Every camper is paired with a “Big Buddy” — an adult volunteer who provides support, friendship, guidance and guarantees the camper has a buddy at every activity.
Campers typically come from Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. But we welcome campers from other areas, too.
Apply to Camp Courage
- Step 1: Print and complete this application. Any child between ages 6 and 17 who has experienced the death of a significant person in their life is eligible to apply.
- Step 2: Mail your completed application to:
Camp Courage
P.O. Box 712
Millville, PA 17846
- Step 3: Attend a phone interview. Once we receive the application, we’ll call the parent/guardian to schedule an interview to learn more about the child and their grief. Applications are accepted as they are received and space is extremely limited, so apply early.
Support Camp Courage as a donor, volunteer or sponsor
Camp Courage is a free program from Geisinger, a nonprofit healthcare organization.
We rely on volunteers, sponsorships and donations to support grieving children and help them heal.
Learn more about becoming a camp volunteer, to sponsor a camper or to donate.
We also welcome the opportunity to speak to organizations, civic groups, churches and schools about our programs. Contact bereavementcamps@geisinger.edu to learn more.
Questions?
Call us at 570-271-6461or email bereavementcamps@geisinger.edu.
Apply to attend Camp Courage
