1 in 20 children will suffer the loss of 1 or both parents, before the age of 19. 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them including, a brother, sister, grandparent or other close family member or friend. Grieving children often feel set apart, different from their peers, alone and misunderstood.

Children who have lost a parent or guardian exhibit:

• Difficulty concentrating in class
• Withdrawal/disengagement and less class participation
• School absenteeism
• Decrease in quality of class work
• Less reliability in turning in assignments

Community Hospice & Health Services not only believes in providing compassionate care for patients, we also care deeply about the families of our patients. Many children struggle in their own grief journey. We offer several free programs for children and teens.

School Grief Program

Programs are 6 to 8 weeks long for children and teens in grades K-12. Our specially trained facilitators use writing, music, art and discussion to guide children through their grief journey. Groups offer a unique opportunity for peer bonding alongside others that are facing similar life circumstances.

Camp Wokini

Community Hospice & Health Services youth grief camp, Camp Wokini, is for any child or teen, ages 6-17, who has experienced the death of someone significant. Held at Camp Sylvester in Pinecrest, California, Camp Wokini provides campers with a safe environment to explore their grief, learn lifelong coping skills and make lasting friendships with peers that have also experienced loss.

Camp Wokini is offered free of charge to all campers. Space is limited, and applications are reviewed in the order received. All applicants will be required to complete an initial phone screening interview, in person camper and family interview and Pre-Camp Meet and Greet.