Comfort Zone Camp: Providing a Healing Haven for Grieving Children

In the picturesque town of Palmyra, Virginia, a remarkable camp is offering a lifeline to children grappling with the loss of a loved one. The Becky Love Memorial Camp, a part of the Comfort Zone Camp organization, has created a safe and supportive environment where young hearts can find solace and healing.

Transforming Grief into Growth: The Comfort Zone Camp Story

A Sanctuary for the Grieving

Twenty-five years ago, Lynne Hughes, the CEO of Comfort Zone Camp, set out to create a space where children experiencing grief could find solace and support. As a young girl, Hughes had personally grappled with the loss of her parents, and she recognized the profound impact that a summer camp experience had on her own healing process. Driven by this personal experience, she embarked on a mission to provide a similar haven for other children in need.

Blending Fun and Healing

At the heart of Comfort Zone Camp lies a unique approach that seamlessly integrates therapeutic elements with the traditional joys of summer camp. Campers are immersed in a world of fun activities, from obstacle courses to exploring the camp's picturesque surroundings. Yet, woven throughout these experiences are intentional moments of healing, such as grief counseling, memorials, and sharing circles.

A Supportive Community

The camp's ability to create a sense of community and belonging is truly remarkable. Eli Gustin, a former camper who now serves as a counselor, eloquently captures the transformative power of the camp. "This camp has allowed me to understand that, from the way I grew up, emotions weren't okay, but now I know that emotions are okay, and it's always okay to let them out," he shares.For young campers like Chris Forrey, the camp provides a safe haven where they can connect with others who understand their unique experiences. "It's just only you, like you're alone and you, and you feel kind of – it feels kind of weird. But when you come here, everybody has a loss," Forrey explains.

Navigating the Transition Back to School

The timing of the Becky Love Memorial Camp is particularly significant, as it coincides with the start of the new school year. Hughes recognizes the challenges that grieving children face when returning to the classroom, where their loss may not be as visible or understood by their peers."Going back to school signifies another season of growing away and not having their loved one a part of that next chapter," Hughes says. "So, it's really good to give them tools and help coach them on how to navigate being in a school setting."Through the camp's intentional programming, children are equipped with the necessary coping mechanisms and support systems to face the transition back to school with greater resilience and confidence.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

The Comfort Zone Camp's approach to healing is truly holistic, blending the therapeutic and the recreational in a seamless manner. Hughes emphasizes the importance of allowing the children to "get back to being kids again" while also providing them with the necessary tools to navigate their grief."We have all the traditional fun aspects of camp, and then we weave in the intentional time to work on their grief," Hughes explains. "But it's just as important for them to get back to being kids again."This delicate balance between grief work and joyful experiences creates an environment where children can find the space to heal, grow, and rediscover the lightness of childhood.The Becky Love Memorial Camp and the Comfort Zone Camp organization stand as beacons of hope, offering a transformative experience for children grappling with the profound loss of a loved one. By creating a sanctuary where emotions are embraced, connections are forged, and resilience is nurtured, they are making a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.