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.
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.
The counseling sessions were the most helpful to my family because it was a time of starting the process of letting go and releasing the pain of losing our mother.”
It was nice to be able to go to a group and listen to similar stories, even if we were not ready to share as much as others.”
Everyone was kind and we all connected because we shared the same grief in losing a loved one. It allowed us to be comfortable in sharing our hearts with each other.”
We had an amazing time, it was nice to be away from home. And the memories… just so peaceful.”
We so enjoyed the family banner making. We also enjoyed the free time for roaming and exploring the beautiful setting.”