The loss of a loved one is hard on those who are left behind, as one navigates the grief that naturally follows a death. Whether one is grieving on their own or within a family system, they deserve a safe space to share on their journey after loss. To answer this need from the community, Hospice Atlanta founded the bereavement retreat called Camp STARS (Sharing Together As Real Support) in 1994, the first bereavement camp of its kind in Georgia. This three-day bereavement event is set on a gorgeous 300-acre campus where individuals can feel the peace and safety, allowing the expression of their emotions along side others who are in a similar situation and share many of the same strong feelings.

The camp is staffed by experienced, nurturing counselors, social workers, chaplains and trained volunteers who guide everyone through the grieving process. It’s a chance to let go for the weekend, bond with family members, and make new friends. There are plenty of opportunities for enlightenment, spirituality, learning and just plain fun.

Camp STARS takes place at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia and takes place in November each year.  This is all made possible by the incredible generosity of our Visiting Nurse community partners, individual donors and foundations and organizations that support this mission.

Upcoming Events

November 8-10, 2024:  Camp STARS Annual Weekend Bereavement Camp at Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA.  For more information, please contact our Camp STARS team at Camp STARS or call (404) 215-6051.

A Bereavement Camp for Families, Thanks to the Generosity of Our Community

When a loved one dies, people grieve and need support to understand and manage their loss. Our Camp STARS bereavement camp is designed to help people understand that their feelings of loss are normal and that they are not alone. We provide a safe environment for families to meet others in similar situations and learn how to grieve in emotionally healthy ways. What makes up your “family” we leave that to you to determine – a family of one or more.  Throughout camp weekend, each camper will have a safe environment to share their grief in groups, bond with family members, establish new friendships and have fun! The camps are staffed by volunteer counselors, social workers, chaplains and others who have experience loss.

Camp STARS, founded in 1994, is the first bereavement camp of its kind in Georgia. We hold our Camp STARS weekend at a venue located 50 miles east of Atlanta on 300 beautiful acres called  Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. This unique camp ground provides an incredible camping experience, surrounded by nature, grounded in a nurturing, fully-accessible environment. The only cost for the camp weekend is a small administrative fee of $40 per family. Camp STARS relies on the generosity of our community donations to make it possible for families to attend camp regardless of their ability to pay. If you would like to donate to Camp STARS, please visit our donation page.

How to Register and More Information

The next Camp STARS is November 10-12, 2023. Space is limited.

For more information on our bereavement camps, please call our Camp Director Lisa at 404-215-6051.