It is difficult to find words to describe what it is that makes A Camp to Remember, our grief camps for children and teens, so special. As part of their Senior Project at Hellgate High School, Melissa Hurt and Madisun Bessette created a video that did just that.

TREAT OF THE DAY!! Click on the icon below to view the article that was published in the Flathead Living Magazine, 2010 Winter Edition, on page 28. It’s all about A Camp To Remember, that you all make possible. Enjoy!

“A Camp To Remember is truly a magical place. Although it’s a ‘bereavement’ camp, I feel that its main accomplishment is the ability to celebrate life.”
– 2008 camper

Since 1997, our staff has been facilitating grief camps in the mountains and on the lakes of western Montana. Our director has led over 50 grief camps.

Set amidst Montana’s pines and mountain lakes, A Camp to Remember is a fun, supportive, and healing summer camp for kids age 8 to 14 who are grieving the death of a loved one. A Camp to Remember offers kids unique opportunities for grief work and commemorative activities. Under the guidance of professionals with expertise in bereavement and outdoor activities, grieving and remembering are balanced with a healthy dose of traditional camp fun: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, campfires, games, singing, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, nature walks, and “secret pals.”

“For me [camp] was like letting go and holding on at  the same time…It also helped me learn to hold on to my sister and my  best friend in my heart and memory by carrying on with my life and sharing with others their strengths and my own.”
– first year camper

Many campers return year after year, acting as mentors to those attending camp for the first time. Experienced campers in high school can participate as a Peers-As-Leaders (PAL), helping out with younger campers. To become a PAL a teen must be a responsible, enthusiastic, positive role model with strong leadership skills and past ACTR or Teen Retreat experience.

“I’m very grateful for the many camps I’ve attended. They have allowed me to share the most painful experience of my life—with my peers who have had a similar experience—and to be there for others who are hurting.”
– 17-year-old PAL

Parent/Guardian Workshops:

Parents of bereaved children face the challenge of supporting their children while journeying through their own grief. Parents are invited to join staff on the last day of camp for a workshop focusing on what happened at camp, ideas for supporting grieving kids, differences between child and adult grief, and what parents can do to take care of themselves while nurturing their kids.

Teen Programs:
Unique adventures for adolescents

Our retreats in the Flathead, Missoula, and Bitterroot Valleys focus on the unique needs of grieving teens. Many become “leaders,” supporting younger peers at camps.

To request an application and registration materials, please contact us:

Tamarack Grief Resource Center / 516 South Orange Street / Missoula, MT 59801 / 406.541.8472