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Free Bereavement Camp for Children

The journey through grief and loss can be difficult and lonely, especially for a child.

Stepping Stones Camp is now accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

Our Stepping Stones camp provides a safe place for campers to explore their grief emotions, balanced with plenty of fun. The bereavement camp, offered at no charge, is designed for children ages 6-15 who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. The camp is held in Eureka, Missouri, and led by professional staff and volunteers.

Campers gather at Camp Wyman for therapeutic activities to help them reflect on their feelings of grief. Stepping Stones camp offers a place for children to remember and honor their loved one in an atmosphere of understanding and encouragement, among other kids their own age, who are having a similar experience.

There's also plenty of swimming, games, crafts and a carnival. Scroll down for videos and photos of past camps, or to apply.

Stepping Stones camp is open to any child who has lost a loved one, not only those who were served by BJC Hospice.

 

The next Stepping Stones camp will take place August 9-11, 2024.

If you prefer to complete an application by phone, email us or call 314.953.1676.

 
 

Camp Counselors

A ratio of one staff member for every three campers is maintained. Counselors include:

  • Registered nurses
  • Therapists
  • Licensed social workers
  • Medical clinicians
  • Trained volunteers  

Volunteers

We are always looking for Stepping Stones volunteers for the following roles:

  • Cabin Buddies - Cabin buddies spend the weekend at camp with a cabin of campers. There are 3 buddies assigned to each cabin of 8 campers. Buddies must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Activity Volunteers - Activity volunteers come to camp for a few hours to help campers with one or more of our special activities including the carnival, stepping stones activity, and painting memorial boats.
  • Set up Crew - Set-up crew members are high school and college age students who spend the whole weekend at camp helping with a lot of the behind the scenes work. They organize, set up, and clean up supplies for all the activities as well as assisting at the activities. It is a lot of hard work but the crew always has a lot of fun together.

Call 314-953-1676 or email BJC Hospice if you have questions or if you are interested in volunteering.

Accommodations

Stepping Stones is at Camp Wyman in Eureka, Missouri. The camp features a swimming pool, playing fields, a fire pit, a lake and several indoor meeting spaces. Children stay in comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with attached bathrooms. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided. Campers need only bring clothing and personal care items.

Dear BJC Home Care,

Eddy came home from Stepping Stones camp so happy. He loved his counselors in the Blue Cabin and being with his fellow campers. He still sings the camp songs and talks about the carnival.

Going to Stepping Stones camp was the highlight of his summer! I am very grateful that you offer this opportunity for fun and healing to children who have lost someone significant in their lives. It helped Eddy to be with other children who lost their fathers (and mothers, brothers, sisters... ). The activities helped with the grieving process.

He has been looking forward to placing the stepping stone, which he made, outside in our garden. It was difficult for him to wait the 30 days for it to harden. This is a good way of commemorating his father in our daily lives.

Thank you for providing this great opportunity.

 

Map and Directions to Camp Wyman

 

From St. Louis:

Take Interstate 44 West to the MO-109/MO-W exit #264.

As you exit, get into the center lane and turn right onto Highway 109. Make an immediate left turn at the first stoplight onto Fifth Street.

Turn right at the second stoplight onto Meramec Boulevard.

Follow Meramec Boulevard for about 1.5 miles until you reach the stop sign at Forby Road at the bottom of a long hill.

Turn left onto Forby Road,and follow it for just over a mile to the entrance of Kiwanis Camp Wyman, headquarters of Wyman Center.

From southwest of Eureka:

Take Interstate 44 East to the MO-109/MO-W exit #264.

Turn left onto MO-109.

Go under Interstate 44 and turn left at the stoplight onto Fifth Street.

Turn right at the second stoplight onto Meramec Boulevard.

Follow Meramec Boulevard for about 1.5 miles until you reach the stop sign at Forby Road at the bottom of a long hill.

Turn left onto Forby Road,and follow it for just over a mile to the entrance of Kiwanis Camp Wyman, headquarters of Wyman Center.

From west St. Louis county:

Take Manchester Road west of Clarkson Road to Old State Road.

Turn left at Old State Road and follow until it dead-ends at Highway 109.

Turn left on Highway 109.

Turn right onto Fifth Street.

Turn right at the second stoplight onto Meramec Boulevard.

Follow Meramec Boulevard for about 1.5 miles until you reach the stop sign at Forby Road at the bottom of a long hill.

Turn left onto Forby Road, and follow it just over a mile to the entrance of Kiwanis.