Children and teens in Berks County coping with the loss of a loved one will have the opportunity to attend a free summer grief camp through the Berks County Intermediate Unit’s Camp Connect program.
Now entering its 12th year, Camp Connect has supported more than 400 young people dealing with the death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or other loved one, according to the BCIU. The program is open to youth ages 6 to 16 and combines traditional summer camp activities with grief education and emotional support.
The camp is structured as a four half-day experience where participants engage in activities such as art, music, games, and group discussions designed to help children process emotions, build peer connections, and remember loved ones in healthy ways.
All sessions are led by trained volunteers and mental health professionals who work to create a supportive environment for participants navigating grief and loss.
Two Camp Connect sessions will be offered in Berks County this summer: June 15-18, 2026, in the Temple/Muhlenberg Township area. August 3-6, 2026, in the Spring Township/Mohns Hill area.
Families who have participated in the program in previous years shared positive feedback about its impact on their children.
“My daughter is now thinking of positive ways to remember her father,” one parent said.
Another parent shared, “My child felt comfort learning that other children have experienced a loss like they have.”
A third parent said, “My son expressed a sense of belonging and was able to speak about his brother without censoring his thoughts.”
Camp Connect is offered at no cost to families. Parents or guardians interested in learning more or requesting an application can contact Rodney Good at 610-987-8615 or by email at campconnect@berksiu.org.
