When Bad Things Happen to Good Campers

This session offers camp staff an essential foundation in understanding grief and bereavement: what it is, how it shows up, and how to support both themselves and their campers through it. Led by Corrie Sirota, MSW, PSW, and author of Someone Died…Now What? A Personal and Professional Perspective on Coping with Grief and Loss, the workshop draws on over 25 years of experience helping individuals and communities navigate crisis.

Participants will gain practical coping strategies to use when faced with the difficult reality of a death impacting the camp community, whether a camper, staff member, or family member. Special attention will be given to tailoring debriefings to the developmental needs of different age groups, ensuring that communication and support are both age-appropriate and compassionate. This session will leave staff better prepared to respond with confidence, care, and resilience when loss touches their camp environment.