Bo’s Camp is a family-centered camp offered for free to children 5-18 years of age and their parents or guardians who have experienced the death of a family member or other significant person in their lives.
The weekend camp is designed to help children and adults learn to deal with their grief and begin the healing journey. Campers can attend within two years after the death of a loved one. At Bo’s Camp, campers will have the opportunity to meet other families with similar experiences. It is important for families who have lost a loved to know that it is okay to smile again, and at Bo’s Camp they can learn healthy coping skills and how to reconnect as a family and have fun.
2024 Bo’s Camp Details
Camp will be held September 27-29, 2024 at Camp John Hope. The camp is free to participants, but registration is required. Applications should be submitted by September 20, 2024. For general inquiries, please contact us at 478-633-1503.
Camp John Hope
281 Hope Entrance Rd,
Fort Valley, GA 31030
For more details visit CampJohnHope.com
We do have a limited number of campers. Please complete and submit your application by September 20, 2024. If the camp is full by your application submission date, you will be placed on a waiting list should a family cancel. Once your application has been received, you will be notified by mail. Please mail the application for each camper to the following address. Adult must attend with the child.
Bo’s Camp is a weekend camp where children and their families will be involved in family activities and age-appropriate grief sessions. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities such as arts, crafts and outdoor activities including hiking and a ropes course.
The camp is divided into peer groups accommodating children, teenagers and parents/guardians.
Sponsored by Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Bo’s Camp is staffed with a trained group of professionals that encourage campers to share memories of their loved one and learn healthy coping skills.
Our camp staff includes:
- Social Workers
- Child Life Specialists
- Transition Counselors
- Nurses
- Chaplains
- Physicians
- Community Volunteers
Can my child come to camp right after the death of a loved one?
Yes, however, if it has been less than a month since the death occurred please contact 478-633-1503 for more information.
Can my child come to camp if it’s been more than a year since the death?
Yes. Campers can attend within two years after the death of a loved one.
Can I volunteer while my child is at camp?
No. The camp is designed so that adults and children will have an opportunity to express their grief with other children and parents/guardians who are going through the same types of experiences. We would like for parents to participate in the camp with your child. The following year, we would be happy to have you as a volunteer.
Is there a charge?
No. Bo’s Camp is free to adults and children participating. Thanks to the generosity of the Central Georgia community, the camp is solely funded from community efforts. There are opportunities for organizations and individuals to sponsor a camper. For more information on how to offer support for Bo’s Camp, contact us at 478-633-1503
What should a camper pack?
A complete packet of information will be sent out to families prior to the camp. It will include directions, packing list and contact information.
What time does camp start and end?
Camp begins on Saturday. Registration opens at 8:30AM and camp begins at 9:00AM.
How does this camp help me and my child?
One of the most significant aspects of you and your child attending camp is their opportunity to meet others who are going through similar experiences. To know you are not the only ones who have suffered a loss gives you a connection of support and understanding that family, friends, classmates, or neighbors may not be able to provide.
When do I need to submit an application(s)?
As soon as possible. Deadline for applications is September 20, 2024. We have a limited number of spots available. Please click below to download applications.
Send applications to:
Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital
c/o Bo’s camp
MSC 38
777 Hemlock Street
Macon, Ga 31201
Whether it is raising money to sponsor campers or collecting items needed, your contribution will make a difference. We can offer this camp free of charge to all campers and their support person because of the generosity of the community.
To offer support, contact us at 478-633-1503
