60 Volunteers Help 35 Kids Heal at Maryland Grief Camp

Thirty-five children who know the weight of losing someone they love spent a weekend this August doing something remarkable: being kids again.

Camp Nabi, now in its 31st year, welcomed young people ages six to 18 to Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center in Millersville, Maryland. The special bereavement camp combines professional grief support with crabbing, campfires, arts and crafts, and the chance to meet other kids who truly understand their pain.

The weekend happened because 60 volunteers showed up. Thirty-eight "Big Buddies" stayed with one or two campers throughout the entire experience, guiding them through both the hard conversations and the joyful moments. Seventeen volunteers were first-timers, and two had actually attended Camp Nabi themselves as grieving children years ago.

Four therapy dogs joined the weekend too, offering comfort alongside the human helpers. Community groups donated 40 handmade quilts, 20 blankets, and 35 stuffed animals so each child could take home something soft to hold.

"Because so many people in our community chose to give their time and resources, 35 hurting children were able to build new friendships, enjoy a fun-filled summer weekend and connect with other kids who truly understand what they're feeling," said Camp Nabi Director Alena Dailey.

Local businesses and individuals covered most of the costs, keeping the camp affordable for families already dealing with the financial strain of loss. Groups like The Blue Waters Foundation and St. Anne's Episcopal Church stepped up so money wouldn't keep any child away.

Why This Inspires

Camp Nabi was founded in 1982 by Betty Asplund, who understood something important: grieving children need both support and normalcy. They need space to talk about their loss and permission to laugh despite it.

For more than three decades, this camp has proven that healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means finding others who get it, adults who care enough to show up, and moments of pure childhood joy tucked between the tears.

The model works because it treats grief as something children shouldn't carry alone while reminding them they're still allowed to dance, play, and dream.

Thirty-five kids left camp this year with new friends, full hearts, and the knowledge that their community sees them and their pain matters.