“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
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 6 - 16 that have experienced the death of an loved one.
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 late July/early August and NORCAL in mid August. Dates for next camp sessions will be announced in early 2020.
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
Referrals can be submitted year-round using the form below.
Thank you to our 2019 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
- The Taylor Family Foundation - Courage Sponsor
- The Plank Foundation - Courage Sponsor
- Bitco, Inc. - Hope Sponsor
- The Sommer Family- Hope Sponsor
- KGET TV 17 - Media Sponsor
- Buck Owens Broadcasting, Inc. - Media Sponsor
- Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation - Strength Sponsor
- Kaiser Permanente Kern County - Strength Sponsor
- David Doig - Friendship Sponsor
- Walter Grainger & Kathleen Schaffer - Camper Sponsor
- Gaye Siemon/Therapy Dog Lulu - Donor
- Les Schwab Tires, Jersey Mike's Subs, The Boshers Family, Bakersfield Breakfast Lions, Bill Burgemaster, Optimal Hospice Care Management Team, Rusty's Pizza, The Procell Family, Michael & Suzanne Saltz, Michelle Cooper & Suzi Beaty - Meal Donors
- Project Linus Chapters - Kern County, Fresno & Central Valley Chapters - Blankets for Bakersfield & Fresno
- American Legion Riders Chapter 20 - Shirts and Ride Pins
If you are interested in being a sponsor for 2020 please contact Cherie Shoemake in the Foundation office at 661-716-8000 or via email at
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2019 Photos by Session
Bakersfield Kids Camp Session 1
Bakersfield Kids Camp Session 2
Bakersfield Kids Camp One Day Session
Fresno Kids Camp One Day
 Kids Camp Referral Form | Bakersfield, Fresno & NORCAL | 115 Kb |