We give grieving children
experiences that change
their lives forever.

We give grieving children experiences that change their lives forever.

Experience Camps is an award-winning national nonprofit that transforms the lives of grieving children through summer camp programs and innovative, year-round initiatives. Through compassion, connection, and play, we allow grieving children to embody a life full of hope and possibility. By amplifying their voices, we are creating a more grief-sensitive culture.

Why it matters

Approximately 6.3 million children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver by the time they turn 18. Grieving youth are more likely to endure mental health challenges, poor academic performance, and negative long-term physical and financial outcomes than their non-grieving peers. Left unaddressed, childhood grief can undermine a child’s future.

However, with the proper interventions and an ecosystem of support around them, grief can lead to remarkable resilience.

1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close before they turn 18.

Experience Camps – join the movement!

We offer no-cost summer camps and other in-person programming for grieving children throughout the United States. Here they learn coping strategies while experiencing the joy of play and true belonging.

Receive award-winning resources, personal stories, opportunities, and tips straight to your inbox:

Experience Our Virtual Community

Our youth-driven online content allows thousands more grieving kids the chance to play together and learn how to navigate their grief.

These programs include:

ExperienceCraft – our virtual world of play for grieving kids on Minecraft

GRIEF SUCKS – our digital-content platform for grieving teens

Grief Quest – our virtual scavenger hunt on Roblox that teaches kids how to support grieving people

Upcoming Events

Dates & Locations

See below for the dates and camp locations for each program this summer.

Please note: all staff are expected to arrive the day before campers arrive for an in-person orientation. Specific dates and times for arrival and departure will be shared closer to camp.

Georgia

July 27-August 1, 2025

For kids entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GA. 1391 Keencheefoonee Road, Rutledge, GA 30663

California (Girls)

August 12-17, 2025

For girls entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. In Southern California.

California (Boys)

August 12-17, 2025

For boys entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. In Southern California.

Maryland

August 17-22, 2025

For kids entering grades 4-10 in the 24/25 school year. At Sandy Hill Camp & Retreat Center in North East, MD 3380 Turkey Point Road North East, MD 21901

Pennsylvania

August 18-23, 2025

For boys and girls entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge in Equinunk, PA. 788 Legends Path, Equinunk, PA 18417

Maine (Girls)

August 18-23, 2025

For girls entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camp Somerset in Smithfield, ME. 11 Somerset Lane, Smithfield, ME 04978

Maine (Boys)

August 18-23, 2025

For boys entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camp Manitou in Oakland, ME 47 Camp Manitou Cove, Oakland, ME 04963

Connecticut

August 18-23, 2025

Michigan

August 19-24, 2025

For kids entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camps Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods in Decatur, MI 84600 47 1/2 St, Decatur, MI 49045

How to get involved

Apply to become a volunteer at one of our one-week summer camps.

Volunteer

Go the extra mile by running your own fundraiser for grieving kids.

Fundraise

Learn about all the ways you can give: Credit Card, Check, Paypal, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Donor Advised Funds & more.

Donate

virtually light a candle for someone you have lost.

Light a Candle

Join by making a monthly donation and get ready for some awesome member rewards! 

Join Spark monthly giving

Legacy funds are an impactful way to honor the memory of a loved one.

Leave a legacy

Volunteer

Apply to become a volunteer at one of our one-week summer camps.

Fundraise

Go the extra mile by running your own fundraiser for grieving kids.

Donate

Learn about all the ways you can give: Credit Card, Check, Paypal, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Donor Advised Funds & more.

Become an ambassador

Become a member of our team and help amplify our reach.

Tell your story

Submit your story or article to be featured on our site. Help break down the walls to understanding grief.

Leave a legacy

Legacy funds are an impactful way to honor the memory of a loved one.