Camp Forget-Me-Not
Camp Forget-Me-Not is a free, weekend, sleep-away bereavement camp for metropolitan Washington DC area youth ages 6-16
who have experienced the death of a loved one. Heart attack, cancer, homicide, suicide, HIV, motor vehicle collision — whatever the cause of death — Camp Forget-Me-Not provides a safe, supportive environment for children to gently explore their feelings and to understand they are not alone in their grief. Camp Forget-Me-Not combines traditional camp activities with programs designed
to help children remember, mourn and celebrate loved ones who have died.
CAMP FORGET-ME-NOT WILL BE AUGUST 1, 2, AND 3, 2008
CAMPERS: Please answer the following questions before completing the Camper Application.
1. Have you experienced the death of a loved one before March 1, 2008?
2. Are you a resident of the Metro DC area (Washington DC, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County)?
3. Are you between ages 6 to 16?
4. Are you available 1:00 p.m. on August 1 through 4:00 p.m. on August 3, 2008?
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" TO ALL FOUR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTINUE AND COMPLETE THE CAMPER APPLICATION FOR CAMP FORGET-ME-NOT (CLICK BELOW).
CAMPERS:
CAMPER APPLICATION 2008 click here
VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteer Information
RETURNING Camp Volunteer Application click here
NEW Camp Volunteer Application click here
Or call (202) 624-0010
Click here to read a Washington Post article about Camp Forget-Me-Not..
You Matter to Us
Love, laughter, learning and leisure are the needs of all children, especially those who have recently experienced the death of a loved one. The camp is not designed as a replacement for therapy but as an enjoyable opportunity to explore grief where a child’s self expression is heard, valued and honored.
Guiding Principles
Camp Forget-Me-Not is founded on the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to express his or her feelings or grief in a supportive and understanding environment. Based on this belief, the guiding principles of Camp Forget-Me-Not are:
- Grief is a normal process in response to the loss of a loved one
- Each child has the natural capacity to heal in his or her own timeframe
- The duration and intensity of grief is unique to each individual
- Caring, listening and acceptance assist in the healing process
The Camp Model
At Camp Forget-Me- Not, each camper is paired with an adult buddy for the weekend. Buddies are specially trained volunteers who serve as role models in the grief process and help provide companionship and support to campers. The individual attention Buddies provide campers is what makes Camp Forget-Me-Not so special. Professional licensed therapists and counselors lead several therapeutic group sessions designed to address the age-specific needs of the grieving camper.
Fun Activities
Campers enjoy a weekend of traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoing, arts and crafts, games and sports. Our camp offers specialty activities which include seining, playback theatre, drumming and music, journaling and meditation, therapeutic art, drama, and the initiative and confidence course. Campers and Buddies sleep in air-conditioned cabins and eat together community style. All the activities are specially designed to help campers express themselves and develop bonds with others.
- Camp Forget-Me-Not is provided free of charge, except for a $5 non-refundable camper application fee.
- All prospective campers are interviewed and assessed for readiness and appropriateness prior to acceptance.
For any questions concerning volunteering at the Wendt Center or for Camp Forget-Me-Not,
Please call Sarah Berry at 202-624-0010 Extension 107 or email sberry@wendtcenter.org
For more information, call (202) 624-0010.
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