One out of every fourteen children will experience the death of a parent by the time they are 18 years of age. That staggering statistic led Monte and Darla Torkelsen to ask the question, “Is there something we can do to help grieving kids?” As the Director of Big Lake Youth Camp in Sisters, Oregon from 2001-2013, their answer was to create a camp that specifically focused on providing both support and fun for children who had recently lost a family member to death.

Abba’s Child Grief Camps are free camps for boys and girls who are currently experiencing the grief of loss. It’s a place where kids can laugh, cry, play, create, remember the person who died, or set aside the grief that weighs them down. It’s a place where they can feel “normal” because everyone there has been through something similar and understands what it’s like to lose someone important to them.

Abba’s Child strives to provide an environment where kids can explore their grief, break the isolation they may feel with their peers at home, and have a whole lot of fun. Campers have the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges while enjoying a high-energy summer camp experience as well. A portion of the day is spent in typical camp activities where they learn about leadership, confidence, and cooperation. Another portion of the day is spent in specific grief support activities where campers have the opportunity to share memories of the one who died while developing skills that will help them after camp. All of this while under the supervision of qualified grief counselors. A full day of fun and rewarding activity takes place in the beautiful outdoors, surrounded by accepting peers, supportive counselors, and fresh air.