Camp Caterpillar

Where Children Learn to Grieve and Heal

Camp Caterpillar is a child grief day camp experience for children in kindergarten through 8th grade who have had a loved one die within the last two years. The camp's name reminds us that nourishment and hard work of grief can bring a new life, like a caterpillar's journey to becoming a butterfly. Campers will learn they are not alone in their feelings of grief or their anxiety about the ways their lives have changed. Participants learn that grief is not a process of forgetting but remembering with less pain. This program is free and open to the public. A boxed lunch to go will be provided for each child at the end.

Camp Caterpillar is held twice a year - once in Stockton and once in Lodi. 

Registration is now closed

2024 Lodi Camp Caterpillar Gallery

More About Camp Caterpillar 

Campers will learn that they are not alone in their feelings of grief or their anxiety about the ways their lives have changed. Children will be taught that the process of grieving is not forgetting their loved one but remembering with less pain. Campers learn to express their feelings, improve communication, and learn coping skills to deal with current and future losses.

All activities are led by Hospice of San Joaquin grief staff and grief volunteers.

Thank you to our wonderful partner Great Wolf Lodge Manteca and all of our Sponsors