This camp is for children ages 7 to 17 (18, if still in high school) who have experienced overdose loss.
Since 2021, Comfort Zone Camp has seen over a 30% rise in campers who have experienced a loss due to overdose.
In 2023, through our partnership with A Little Hope Foundation, we responded by introducing a first of its kind grief camp, especially geared for children and families who’ve experienced overdose loss.
Why is this important?
Children react differently when someone close to them dies from drugs instead of through a sickness. It’s a more complicated grief. They might say, ‘Why did my parents choose drugs over me? Why didn’t they choose to stop?’
There are a lot of complex emotions — there may be a lot of anger, hate, shame, and embarrassment as opposed to when someone is diagnosed with cancer.
Our goal in camp is to provide a safe space for grieving kids to have fun, meet kids like them, share stories about their loved ones, and learn and develop healthy coping skills.
September 13-15, 2024
Fresh Air Fund in Fishkill, NY
Register Your Child Today!
Camp Activities
Includes games, arts & crafts, bonfire, and Healing Circles (support groups) where kids can connect with their peers
The Impact
Campers leave the camp “bubble” transformed with a community, coping skills, and new friends who “get it”
“Who is this camp for?”
We are accepting children ages 7-17 or 18 if still in high school, and have experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, guardian or a loved one through overdose loss
“Anything else I need to know?”
Register Your Child Today!
Know a family who might benefit from this camp?
Fill out this form and we’ll reach out to them directly.
Have questions for us?
Fill out this inquiry form and we’ll get back to you asap.
Download our Overdose Loss Camp flyer here.
The overdose loss camp was spectacular. I think because we were all in the “same boat” the depth of honesty and vulnerability was powerful and contagious.
Although the specifics of our stories differed, there were many common themes woven through all our stories. There was identification, community, compassion, empathy, understanding and all- in an environment -free from stigma and judgement .
I don’t know anywhere else in the world where this would be possible.
My girls were able to speak freely about their dad to other kids and adults who understand. They loved their big buddies, who volunteered their time for an entire weekend to be present for my children.
When I returned people asked me how the weekend went – my response was “it was magical, difficult at times, healing and validating”. It is true that there is something mystical that happens when people who have been through similar situations can relate to and connect with each other on a very deep level.
Leanne Goldberg, camper parent and parent program participant
