“We learned it was ok to be sad and cry and talk about our feelings. To talk about our Mom and that it was also okay to laugh and have fun, that life goes on and we have to continue to live.”
Sisters who attended the 2015 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.
If you are interested in being a sponsor for 2018 please contact Cherie Shoemake in the Foundation office at 661-716-8000 or via email at
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Bakersfield Kids Camp Session 1
Bakersfield Kids Camp Session 2
Bakersfield Kids Camp One Day Session
Fresno Kids Camp
NORCAL Kids Camp