We are delighted to announce the return of our three-day overnight camp for 2023! This year, Camp Sunrise will be held on June 16-18th, 2023, at United Methodist Camp at Suttle Lake.

Camp Sunrise is founded on the understanding that every child deserves the opportunity to grieve in a safe, supportive, and understanding environment. With loving support, children grieving a death can share their experiences with acceptance as they move through the healing process.

The bereavement camp is offered to children ages 7-14 residing in Central Oregon who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Structured games, music, art, stories, and other therapies teach bereaved campers about grief and how to understand their feelings. With support from a professional, trained staff and volunteers, children share their experiences and gain skills to help them begin moving through the healing process.

Camp Sunrise enjoys the reputation of being one of the finest children’s grief camps in the nation and the longest-running in the state of Oregon.

The camp is open to up to 40 children who reside in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties and is offered at no charge.

Youth are referred to Camp Sunrise from various sources, including schools, churches, counselors, and organizations/ agencies serving youth and families. Hospice counselors interview the children and their caregivers prior to camp to verify they are appropriate for this camp experience. During the interview, we explain the purpose and premise of the program, so families are prepared to participate.

We learn that everyone has a different way of grieving.

In addition, we offer specially designed sessions for parents, which provide skills to strengthen their understanding of how to be an effective support system for their children. Post-camp support is also offered to the campers’ parents to further enhance the grieving child’s journey to health.

Camp Sunrise

A grief camp for children ages 7—14

June 16 – 18, 2023

United Methodist Camp at Suttle Lake