You’re Not Alone: 26 Grieving Youth Find Connection and Hope at Three-Day Camp
When animal-assisted therapy team members Hank, Bella and Peppa arrived at grief camp, 26 young faces lit up with joy. For three transformative days in July, children and teens who had been carrying the weight of loss discovered something powerful: they weren’t alone.
The You’re Not Alone Grief Camp, held July 8-10, 2025, at Wanake Camp and Retreat Center in Beach City, brought together grieving youth from across the region. Offered through Ohio’s Hospice Pathways of HopeSM grief counseling centers, the camp provided participants with a unique combination of therapeutic support and traditional camp adventures, all in the company of peers who truly understood their journey.
Supported by 16 dedicated volunteers and eight staff members, the camp offered a comprehensive program designed to help young people develop healthy coping skills while honoring their loved ones’ memories. Special guests included therapy dogs Hank, Bella and Peppa, who provided comfort and joy throughout the camp experience.
“This camp offers grieving youth in our community a chance to connect with others like them, learn coping skills and receive support in their grief journeys,” said our spokesperson. “Thanks to generous community support, we’re able to offer this transformative experience free of charge to families when they need it most.”
The three-day experience balanced therapeutic activities with traditional camp fun. Participants engaged in art projects including tie-dye, canvas painting and creating sensory bottles, along with music therapy sessions. Small group time allowed campers to work through grief journals in a supportive setting. Adventure activities like hiking, rock wall climbing, swimming and a scavenger hunt helped build confidence and create joyful memories. The camp concluded with a special family night, bringing together campers and their families for connection and celebration.
You’re Not Alone Grief Camp was made possible through the dedication of camp committee members Emily Duggan and Marissa Bryan, along with 16 volunteers who gave their time and hearts to support grieving youth.
The camp’s success was also due to the generous support of community sponsors: Benson’s Market and Catering, Culinary Capers, Exchange Club of Dover OH, Geib Funeral Home, Gionino’s Pizza, Glitter and Grace Photography, The Haman Family Foundation, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, Miller’s Creamery, New Philadelphia Rotary, Orville Area Boys and Girls Club, Signs to Go, Toland Herzig Funeral Home, Troyer’s Home Pantry and USA Label Express, Inc.
Ohio’s Hospice plans to continue offering You’re Not Alone Grief Camp in summer 2026, with dates to be announced. The camp is part of the organization’s commitment to providing comprehensive grief support services to all members of the community through Pathways of Hope, regardless of whether they have used Ohio’s Hospice services.
