Camp Caterpillar

Where Children Learn to Grieve and Heal

*Notice: State of California – Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Public Health has recommended everyone to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases. Health and safety of our communities is of the upmost importance to Hospice of San Joaquin and we will be closely following all precautions and guidelines provided by the CDC on in-person events. Please visit our website to stay up to date with updates on this event.

 

What is Camp Caterpillar? 

  • It's an annual child grief day camp experience for children in kindergarten through 12th grade who have had a loved one die within the last two years. The camp name reminds us that nourishment and hardwork 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.

When will it be held?

  • Camp Caterpillar will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 8:30AM to 12PM.                              

Where?

  • Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton CA 95204

Who can participate?

  • Children from Kindergarten to 8th grade (ages 5 - 13) who had a loved one passed away within the last two years. 

Why is this event important for your children?

  • It's a safe place where children can grief, learn healthy grieving process and be surrounded by a nurturing environment.

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 the feelings, improve communication, and learn coping skills to deal with current and future losses.

Camp Caterpillar will be held via Zoom for 2020. All activities are led by Hospice of San Joaquin grief staff as well as grief volunteers.

Thank you to our wonderful supporters

Lambda Theta Phi

Ricky & Suzanne Barnes Foundation

Lodi Tokay Rotary Club

Susan Salamon Hospice Fund for Children's Bereavement

Schwemley Foundation