• Higher levels of depression
• A significantly higher feeling of loss of control over their environment
• A pervasive sense of isolation.

I'm proud and humbled to be a part of Experience Camps, an organization that provides a safe environment where kids can explore their grief, break the isolation they may feel with their non-camp peers, and have a whole lot of fun. They have the opportunity to meet and connect with kids who are coping with similar challenges, while getting all of the benefits of the traditional summer camp experience. 

A little about Experience Camps California: When we decided to expand from our original camp in Maine, the sunny shores of California beckoned. We began with 18 campers in 2013 and have grown over 800% since then. Now in residence at Green Oak Ranch in southern California, our numbers and positive vibes continue to grow each year. This year, we split the boys and girls into 2 separate weeks so we have more room to grow, and grow we will! 

For 6 weeks, we will embrace the spirit of competition as the camper, volunteers, and friends of each camp compete against their extended camp family to see who will emerge as the winner in the Battle of the Camps. 

This coming year will be my 4th summer as a counselor at CalEx and I am so grateful that this incredible program is now something I get to look forward to every year. Having the opportunity to participate in one week of each of these kids’ grief journeys has been such an honor and a privilege. Each summer I walk away feeling more inspired by the strength and courage that each and every camper exudes.

My ask is for you to help CalEx beat the other camps all while helping send more deserving kids to camp!