What We Believe:
The children's grief recovery program of Camp Carey completely focuses on Jesus Christ being the One True Healer and Way to eternal life (John 14:6, John 3:16). We adhere to the authoritative Word of God (II Timothy 3:16-17) and apply biblical teachings and principals within our program, our conduct and our relationships with all those involved with Camp Carey including staff, vendors, volunteers, sponsors and families attending the camp. We believe Jesus is the mender of broken hearts and provider of comfort and healing for those experiencing grief and for all who desire wholeness in their lives (Ezekiel 36:26, Revelation 7:17).
Our Mission
Our mission is to reach, minister to and begin the healing process for those children who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death. Camp Carey is a Christian mountain retreat where children ages 5-12 will be counseled, comforted and ministered to through the healing touch of Jesus Christ. The program will bring God's healing to wounded hearts as the participants are surrounded by loving and attentive counselors and staff.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you". Ezekiel 36:26
Our Goal
The goal of Camp Carey is to meet the needs of each individual child and caretaker through a variety of programs, including:
- support groups
- individual counseling
- child and caretaker recovery programs
- activities (i.e. art projects, games, therapy animals, etc.)
- play therapy
- challenge courses
Please take a moment to consider how you might be able to help, and to fill out the Camp Carey Support Form.
Diane's Story
The creation of Camp Carey has been a lifelong journey...
At age seven, my thirty-nine year-old mother died in a tragic accident. At that time, kids were considered "resilient" and unable to understand or process the loss of a significant loved one. Today we still isolate children from the realities of grief.
But with significant loss, kids attempt to fill the holes or broken places in their hearts with destructive things or relationships. Camp Carey exists to offer grieving children the healing touch of Jesus Christ - the only One who can truly mend bruised and tattered hearts.
Camp Carey's vision is to guide children ages five to twelve through a biblical healing process after they suffer the significant loss of a loved one. We also desire to teach caretakers about their own grief as well as help their child heal and move into a life of eternal purpose, victory, and destiny. My personal journey and passion is to embrace those who grieve with the compassion, reassurance, and loving presence of Jesus, our Comforter and Healer. I invite you to join with us!
Diane Fritsch
Founder, Camp Carey
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time should we arrive on Saturday?
- Please arrive at 8:00AM for check in
- When will I (Parent/Caretaker) be dismissed on Saturday?
- Parents/Caretakers will be dismissed at 10:00AM
- When will I meet my child's Adult Lay Counselor (a.k.a. "Buddy"?)
- Saturday from 9:00AM-10:00AM
- What will the "Buddy" (Adult Lay Counselor) actually do?
- The "Buddy" will facilitate or lead your child through each session/project. Your child will never be unattended and each "Buddy" will be responsible for guiding your child throughout the weekend including bedtime and morning routines.
- How are all the volunteers trained?
- The "Buddies" attend multiple two-hour training sessions under the direction of our licensed and credentialed grief counselors (please see www.campcarey.org for the credentials of our staff)
- Are all the volunteers background checked?
- Absolutely! The background checks will include all states and will include in-depth checks particularly related to child protection.
- In addition to background checks, how are you protecting my child?
- Camp Carey works hard to maintain safe child to adult ratios. Additionally, staff members are trained to maintain a "two deep rule" to ensure that a child is never alone with their "Buddy" or another adult. In essence, while walking with their "Buddy", they are in easy view of a second adult.
- What are the credentials of the Grief Counselors overseeing the camp?
- Please go to our website at www.campcarey.org for staff credentials.
- May the Parent or Caretaker attend the camp as well?
- Typically, children do their best work when they are surrounded by their peers and able to freely express their feelings and emotions. Often children are concerned about the Parent or Caretaker's reactions and are afraid of hurting their feelings. This model has been very successful within other grief recovery camps throughout the country. If you have further concerns, you may contact Rebecca Matson, one of our licensed and credentialed grief counselors. Rebecca can be reached at 720-489-8555 x102.
- What things should I pack for my child to bring to camp?
- Please be sure to pack a pillow, sleeping bag, toiletries, seasonally appropriate clothing (including gloves, hat, etc. during our Fall and Winter sessions) and their favorite stuffed animal. All children will also receive a very special gift from Camp Carey to use during the weekend and to take with them after camp.
- When should I (Parent/Caretaker) arrive on Sunday?
- Please arrive at 9:00AM on Sunday for the Parent/Caretaker session.
- Will there be resources available for my family when we leave?
- We will be providing a variety of resources for both the Parent/Caretaker and children for continued grief recovery work after camp. These resources will include grief workshops, individual counseling professionals to contact, books/pamphlets, etc. related to grief recovery.
- When will be dismissed on Sunday?
- We will promptly dismiss at 1:00PM on Sunday. This will be after worship time. A sack lunch will also be provided.
