What is Camp Rainbow?
Camp Rainbow is an overnight, weekend bereavement camp for children ages 5 to 12 who have experienced a loss or are currently living with a loved one with terminal illness.  Camp Rainbow is organized by Hospice Support Care, a non-profit, non-medical volunteer hospice support organization providing spiritual, practical, and emotional support to patients and their families.

What is a grief camp?
It is a physical and emotional sanctuary for children struggling with bereavement issues.  The primary goal of Camp Rainbow is to teach children how to grieve in a healthy manner, while building fondful rememberances. Like Kids Helping Kids, Camp Rainbow also strives to normalize grief, understand death and dying, and improved social skills.

What activities are offered at Camp Rainbow?
Camp Rainbow consists of various outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing.  Children will also participate in games, groups, and arts and crafts.  On the last day of camp, parents and family are invited to Camp Rainbow for a balloon launch.

When and where is Camp Rainbow?
Camp Rainbow will be held on May 4 to 6 at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, VA.  Campers must provide their own transportation. All campers must complete and submit an application.  

What are the sleeping arrangements and other facilities?
Camp Rainbow will be held at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, VA.  Our bunkhouse can accommodate up to 44 people and consists of 2 large rooms containing bunk beds.  Each room sleeps 18 people.  There are also 2 small rooms with the capacity to sleep 4 people each.  Two separate bathroom facilities are located within the building.  The bunkhouse has both heating and air conditioning.

Do I need to pack meals or help prepare meals?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served by Graves Mountain Lodge, starting with dinner on Friday night and ending with lunch on Sunday afternoon.  Meals will be served family style, except for Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch (buffet style).

Can I bring my own food?
We would prefer that you not bring outside food.  Storage and refrigeration would be a problem.  If you have a medical condition or dietary restriction, please let us know.

Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, pets are not allowed at Camp Rainbow.

What is the ratio of campers to counselors?
There will be an approximately 1:1 camper : counselor ratio.  Each child will be assigned a Big Buddy to follow and assist them throughout Camp Rainbow.

When can I call my child?
The Bunkhouse does not have phone service.  Cellular reception is poor at Graves Mountain Lodge.  Staff at the front desk will take messages and children also have access to pay phones.  Calling cards will not be provided.

How much does Camp Rainbow cost?
Camp Rainbow, like all services with Hospice Support Care, is free.  Donations are always gladly welcomed.

Will there be any licensed medical staff at Camp Rainbow?
Camp Rainbow is unable to employ a nurse or physician.  Individuals with medical training are invited to apply.  However, each camper and Big Buddy must complete a medical history form that will help us treat anything from bug bites to life-threatening emergencies.  Also, each Big Buddy will be trained in basic first aid.

How do I sign up?
Campers and Big Buddies can call Hospice Support Care to request an application, or stop by.  Each application will be reviewed and individuals will be called for an interview (phone interviews may be arranged in some circumstances).  Space is limited.  Current Kids Helping Kids members will be given priority.  Then, admission is on a first come, first serve basis. 

I’m a parent and I want to enroll my child in Camp Rainbow and I want to volunteer as a Big Buddy.  Can I be assigned to my child?
At Camp Rainbow, we are trying to build social skills and expand experiences.  Therefore, you may not be assigned to your child.  If your child has severe separation anxiety, please let us know.

I still have questions!
Please call our office (540-361-7071) or e-mail the Children's Bereavement Coordinator with your questions.