Free 2026 Kids Grief Camps Coming to Southern Tier NY

The loss of a loved one is heavy for anyone. But for children and teens, grief rarely looks the way adults expect. It shows up in quiet bedrooms, slipping grades, a kid who used to talk and suddenly doesn't. Parents often don't know what to do, and the cost of private counseling makes an already hard situation even harder.

That's why the return of Camp Forget Me Not this summer matters. The free, one-day camp is designed specifically for children and teens ages 6 to 18 who have experienced the death of a loved one.

A Camp Built Around Kids, Not Therapy Sessions

Helios Care is bringing back its grief camps for kids and teens across the Southern Tier, with three sessions this summer. The camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and blend real camp activities (the kind kids actually want to do) with professional grief support woven naturally throughout the day. No sitting in a circle explaining your feelings. Just a normal camp day, alongside other kids who get it without needing it explained.

The Moment Everything Clicks

There's something that happens when a child realizes they're not the only one in their town missing a parent or a sibling. The relief is immediate. That alone is worth showing up for.

2026 Sessions, Locations, and Deadlines

Three sessions are scheduled for this summer:

June 20 at Radez Elementary School (319 E Main St), Richmondville (register by June 13)
July 23 at Townsend Elementary School (42-66 North St), Walton (register by July 16)
August 13 at Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus (1894 Charlotte Creek Rd), Davenport, (register by August 6)

Spots are limited, and each deadline closes one week out, so early registration makes a real difference. All sessions are completely free.