The Clamshell Foundation

East End Hospice -- Camp Good Grief

Camp Good Grief, a New York State Certified Hospice, is a summer day camp for East End children who have experienced a loss. It was founded in 1997 by East End Hospice.

The idea of a camp where children could gather for crafts, walks, and exchanging thoughts had long been in the minds of Hospice bereavement staff. The name "Camp Good Grief" came from children in the Hospice bereavement counseling program, and its "tree of life" logo is drawn by a young program participant. The program is facilitated by certified social workers, therapists, and nurse practitioners extensively trained in grief therapy for children.

Camp Good Grief Today

Skilled bereavement staff members plan and lead each day with care, and are assisted by carefully trained volunteers.

The camp has grown to serve children of all ages, and is offered with no fees for its young participants. Children sometimes come back a second and a third time, and they are always welcome.

"This is not a sad place," notes Hospice President Priscilla Ruffin. "Fun is mixed in with therapy, and the important thing is that these children learn they are not alone, and other children have gone through similar experiences. . . . At school and at home they are different from the other children. But here, they are the same."

"Intermixed within the careful planning of each day," adds Bereavement Coordinator Sarah Zimmerman, "are times of group therapy, art therapy, surprises like magicians or making your own ice cream sundaes, and even playing 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' on harmonicas passed out all around."

The Clamshell Foundation helps support Camp Good Grief. Tax deductable donations can be mailed in and made payable to:

The Clamshell Foundation

Camp Good Grief Fund

PO Box 2725

East Hampton, NY 11937

Or, you can make a charitable contribution specifically to Camp Good Grief online. Your donation of any size is appreciated, however a minimum of $10 is required to use this secure checkout system.