Kids Camp

The loss of a loved one touches each member of the family, including children.  To help young people through their bereavement, Optimal Hospice Foundation created Kids Camp.  This over-night summer camp program is specially designed for young people ages 8 - 16 that have experienced the loss of an loved one in the recent past.

At Kids Camp, young people enjoy traditional camping activities, such as swimming and hiking, in an atmosphere where both staff and fellow campers understand their special needs. Kids Camp is held in the Bakersfield, Fresno, and Northern California (Livermore) areas and is open to the community - attendees loved one did not have to utilize hospice services. The Fresno Camp is held in mid July, Bakersfield in early August and NORCAL in mid August.

Optimal Hospice Foundation would like to recognize The Taylor Family Foundation for hosting our NORCAL Kids Camp held at The Taylor Family Foundation at Camp Arroyo. The Taylor Family Foundation’s mission is to preserve the wellness and enhance the quality of life for children in Northern California with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, disabilities and youth at-risk through unique therapeutic experiences and support. For more information, please visit www.ttff.org.ion, please visit www.ttff.org.

This innovative experience is available at no cost to families, thanks to generous support from the community. Camp participants may be referred by school counselors, healthcare providers, family members and other individuals.

Click on the Kids Camp link below for a look at what Kids Camp has to offer. Activities vary from camp to camp based on the facility, however the essence and message is the same. The video was made possible via a grant from the Kern Community Foundation.

Kids Camp video

2019 Dates and Locations 

Referrals can be submitted year-round using the form below.

Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors and Donors

                Without their support this camp would not be possible                 

• American Legion Riders Chapter 20 Porterville - Courage Sponsor
• C.A.R.E. for Kids - Courage Sponsor
• Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Gamma XI Chapter Bakersfield - Courage Sponsor
• Isnardi Foundation - Courage Sponsor
  
• Nick Hudson & Family - Courage Sponsor
• The Taylor Family Foundation - Courage Sponsor
  
• The Plank Foundation - Courage Sponsor
  
• Alternative Care - Hope Sponsor
• Bitco, Inc. - Hope Sponsor
• KGET TV 17 - Media Sponsor
• Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation - Strength Sponsor
  
• Bakersfield West Rotary Foundation - Strength Sponsor
• Kaiser Permanente Kern County - Strength Sponsor
• The Sommer Family- Strength Sponsor
• Jackie Maxwell - Friendship Sponsor
  
• In Memory of Chris Malicoat - Friendship Sponsor
  
• David Doig - Friendship Sponsor
  
• Jan Martz - Camper Sponsor
  
• Jenny Sherrill- Camper Sponsor
• Walter Grainger, Diana Klewier, Shirley Green & Gaye Siemon/Therapy Dog Lulu - Donors
• Les Schwab Tires, Jersey Mike's Subs, Fab 7 of Seven Oaks, Bakersfield Breakfast Lions, Bill Burgemaster, Optimal Hospice Care Staff & Volunteers, Rusty's Pizza, Bridge Small Group  - Meal Donors
• Project Linus Chapters - Kern County & Central Valley - Blankets for Bakersfield & Fresno
• American Legion Riders Chapter 20 - Shirts and Ride Pins
  
• JerLisa Stitches of Love - Teddy Bears for NORCAL

If you are interested in being a sponsor for 2019 please contact Cherie Shoemake in the Foundation office at 661-716-8000 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2018 Photos are Now Available

Bakersfield Kids Camp Session 1
Bakersfield Kids Camp Session 2
Bakersfield Kids Camp One Day Session
Fresno Kids Camp
NORCAL Kids Camp

Downloads

Kids Camp Referral Form	Bakersfield, Fresno & NORCAL	166 Kb
Kids Camp Sponsorship Packet 2019	All Locations	1625 Kb