Fall Camp Forget-Me-Not at Beaver Valley Campground
Read more about the Sharrat Family's amazing story & generous donation to our Camp on our website here!
Camp Schedule
12-12:30pm: Lunch Break
3:45-4:30pm: Parent/Guardian Support Group
4:30-5pm: Closing Ceremony
Our Cooperstown Camp Forget-Me-Not will be held on Saturday, September 27th at the Beaver Valley Family Campground in Cooperstown. The Sharrat Family was gracious enough to lend us this space for our camp! An interest form will become available in July. Please complete registration for your child by Monday, September 15th.
Camp is free to children ages 6-12 and teens ages 13-18 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp is a safe place for kids to make new friendships, share big feelings, and learn how to cope with grief with the help of Helios Care Grief Professionals.
This one-day camp includes group sessions & activities, free time, lunch, a Support Group for all Parents and Guardians, and a closing ceremony.
Our Camps are completely free for families in Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties, thanks to the generous support of The Ella Eldred Foundation & The Lucky Duck Foundation
Frequently asked questions and answers about Kids’ Camp
What is the purpose of Camp Forget-Me-Not?
The purpose of Camp Forget-Me-Not is to provide caring support in a safe place where children and teens can share their experiences as they move through their healing process.
Is the camp just for families who have used Helios Hospice Care?
Camp Forget-Me-Not is not just for hospice families. Camps are open to any school-aged child or teen in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties who has experienced a personal loss. Even a friend who has lost a friend is welcome. We recognize that loss outside the family can be just as profound as a loss within the family.
Is the camp all “therapy work” or is there fun involved, too?
We allow more time at our camp for fun than we do for our more serious grief interventions. We provide free time and structured recreational activities in which the campers can form a supportive bond with each other. It’s a balance the campers enjoy and that works very well.
What benefit is the camp to parents and family members?
In any family system, if one benefits, all benefit. Let’s face it, parenting today is already challenging. When a loss occurs, in addition to their own grief, parents are confronted with the challenge of effectively parenting their grieving children. Many parents aren’t prepared for this situation and haven’t gained the knowledge to confidently deal with this significant issue. It’s comforting to know their children are in the care of grief specialists, relieving them of some of the pressure and stress. If a child/teen is better able to deal with their loss, so will their parents and other family members. During camp, we also provide education for parents or guardians about child/teen grief to better equip them to face the challenges ahead.
How do campers feel about being at the camp?
Often, children may be reluctant or afraid at first about attending the camp. Campers quickly begin to feel a sense of pride to be part of an experience larger than themselves. They realize there are others who share a similar story and have bonded with them. They proudly wear their Camp Forget-Me-Not t-shirts knowing they have honored the person they loved and lost. We have received many comments from campers who wished the camp would go on longer.
Is there a cost for the camp?
There is no cost for the camp or for anything provided during the camp. Camp Forget-Me-Not is generously funded by local foundations and community donations.
Why should a parent consider having their child or children attend camp?
Sometimes, children and teens have difficulty talking about the loss of a loved one to other family members because they don’t want to upset them. The camp provides a safe place where they can feel comfortable in sharing their very personal grief. A realistic fear among parents is that unprocessed grief can lead to other difficulties, such as poor school performance or social problems. Camp Forget-Me-Not is here to help children learn positive ways to deal with their grief and to avoid potential difficulties.
Can campers attend more than one time?
Campers certainly can attend more than one camp. Actually, it is recommended that they do, as new grief issues may emerge as they grow and change.
