Ohio’s Hospice recently hosted more than 30 children and teens for Camp Pathways, a three-day event that offered a supportive environment for youth who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Held at Camp Joy Outdoor Education Center in Clarksville, Ohio, on June 26, 27, and 28, the weekend offered participants a unique combination of therapeutic group sessions and recreational activities designed to help young people express their feelings and realize they are not alone in their grief journey.

“Camp is to support grieving children to recognize they are not alone in their grief, to learn some ways to cope with emotions related to grief, and to be able to talk about their grief in a safe and supportive environment,” an Ohio’s Hospice spokesperson said. 

Activities for the 34 campers included kayaking on the lake, fishing, a climbing wall, swimming, a ropes course for teens, archery, tie-dye, art, small groups, a wish ceremony, and a memorial service.  

The camp was supported by 21 community volunteers and 16 hospice staff members. It is offered through the organization’s Pathways of Hope^SM grief counseling centers, which provide comprehensive grief support services to all members of the community regardless of whether they have used Ohio’s Hospice services. 

Camp Pathways was made possible through the dedication of the camp committee, including Pathways of Hope members Sara Monroe, Gayle Simmons, Lisa Conn, Adrienne Peters, Sarah Ingram, Vince Moncrief, and Tosha Reed, and volunteer department members Ashley Faun and Maureen Swarts. 

Community volunteers gave their time to support grieving youth. Camp volunteers were: Isabella Asbrock; Audrey Baab; Shawn Baab; Steve Bitonti; Kevin Branick; Sean Branick; Joshua Cross; Theresa Daniels; Robert Finley; Katelyn Gillotti; Debbie Goldberg; Brian Gravunder; Amber Haehnel; Matt Horn; Cheyenne Jones; Harpreet Kaur; Robin Kraus; Katelyn Leslie; Ashley Lewis; Alexander Moncrief; Bradley Moore; Spencer Neal; Brian Petry; April Potter; and Brittany Taylor. 

The camp’s impact extends beyond the weekend, helping participants understand they are not alone in their grief and providing them with tools to express their thoughts and feelings in healthy ways. Many children form lasting friendships with peers who truly understand the experience of loss. 

Ohio’s Hospice plans to continue offering Camp Pathways next summer, with specific dates to be announced.

For more information about Camp Pathways or other grief support services offered through Pathways of Hope, visit our Children’s Grief Camp Programs page.