Families and Young Adults
November 9-10th, 2024
Sturgeon Lake, MN
April 5-6th, 2025 Annandale,MN
When a loved one dies, the whole family is affected. Each family member grieves differently. The whole family needs help. Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp, one of the first family grief camps in the country, helps families and individuals come together to heal. At this two-day camp, every family member has the opportunity to participate in integrated yet separate programs. Activities are mirrored in each program, providing shared experiences and a common language to use as they continue on their lifelong grief journey after our camp ends.
- Hearts of Hope Camp serves family members from pre-school through grandparenthood. On-site daycare for children 6 weeks to age three is provided.
- Camp is open to all members of your family. We don't define family, you do.
- Children are required to attend with alt least one adult family member.
- Camp staff is comprised of volunteers who have submitted multiple background checks. All volunteers at camp have had someone they love die.
- Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp is available at no cost thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Space is limited, please do not wait to register.
- Camp is "one-night same site". School-age children sleep in a cabin setting with other children of their age and gender. Adults sleep in private cabins or rooms at the same site.
- Healing Hearts Connection believes in the healing power of being fully present during our camps. We prohibit the use of any chemicals/drugs that will impair a camper's ability to be present during camp including but not limited to, alcohol, marijuana, THC/CBD products, and other drugs outside of those that are medically prescribed. We also require tobacco/vape use to be limited to designated smoking areas only.
Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp includes a program specific to the Emerging Adult population (18 to 24-year-olds). The EA program is designed to meet the developmental needs of this age group. Emerging adults can now attend our family grief camp in their own age-appropriate program with family members or attend as individuals. If attending with family members, they can be included in the family registration.
If you have any questions, please email Jessica at jessica@healingheartsconnection.com
Registration for our Fall camp will open at noon on September 13th and remain open until November 1st or capacity is reached. We will offer a waitlist, but space is limited.
"When death comes, despair is diminished by the strength and togetherness of Family. Death must not be met alone…From the shock and inner-paralysis of the death of one beloved, reality and resolve become the wellsprings of acceptance, healing, and hope…" - Jerry Brown
Volunteers
Since 2001, Healing Hearts Connection has served nearly four thousand grieving family members and tens of thousands of community members in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and throughout the United States.
As a companion to people in grief, you may be a funeral director, friend, neighbor, extended family member, teacher, school social worker, therapist, grief counselor, nurse, or religious leader. Our staff will provide resources and programs that will be helpful to the people you care for… we are just a phone call away.
As a volunteer, you can help people who are grieving by spreading awareness of Healing Hearts Connection's programs and services. We welcome volunteers for our weekend camps, or as participants in our annual fundraising events, including our largest event, The Frunge.
"I felt helpless until I found your program. My daughter and her family were so sad, and didn't know where to turn."
- Grieving Grandmother
School Communities
When grief touches a school community, Healing Hearts Connection can help.
Thanks to the generous donations of Sounds Of Summer Festival, and the Kenneth B. Peterson Memorials, we are pleased to offer a program designed for schools in times of crisis due to a death(s) in the community. This program is offered free of charge and can be implemented with little to no cost or prep time. For more information, please email Jessica@healingheartsconnection.com
