Camp Firefly
A place for young hearts to grieve and heal together
Camp Firefly is a free, one-day camp designed for children and teenagers who have experienced the death of a loved one. Grieving can be an isolating experience, and Camp Firefly provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to come together, share their stories, and find hope and healing. Our camp activities are led by professional social workers, counselors, and nurses.
Camp Firefly 2023
Saturday, September 23
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Warriors’ Path State Park
409 Hemlock Road
Kingsport, TN 37663
What is Camp Firefly?
Camp Firefly provides a safe, fun and caring atmosphere for campers and their families to explore their feelings by:
- Developing an age-appropriate understanding of death
- Forming relationships with peers who have experienced similar losses
- Improving self-esteem
- Reducing feelings of isolation
- Strengthening coping skills
Lunch is provided, with time for families to reconnect and relax. The camp day concludes with a memorial ceremony.
For children and teens
Campers come together in age-divided groups to address their feelings of grief, remember loved ones and learn healthy coping skills. Camp Firefly is fully funded by donations and is offered at no charge to participants.
To register for camp, please fill out the online form.
For adults
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend Camp Firefly with their children. Separate sessions are conducted to help understand children’s grieving processes, cope with adult grief and learn how to respond to children’s unique needs. A panel of experienced professionals will be available to answer questions.
Preparing for the day of camp
Camp Firefly participants are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. for check in and orientation. Campers will be divided into groups by age to engage in a wide variety of activities, including sessions to help learn about grief and how to cope with it:
Sessions are professionally led and designed to respond to each camper’s unique needs.
What to bring
- Because many camp activities are held outdoors, campers should wear appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes – sandals and flip flops are not recommended and will not allow for full participation in the day’s activities.
- Camp Firefly is held rain or shine – campers should bring a jacket if it is raining or if rain is expected.
- Campers should bring any medications required during the day, and a registered nurse will be on-site at Camp Firefly in the event first aid or medical assistance is needed.
- Because many different activities will be offered to keep participants engaged, campers should avoid bringing electronic devices such as cell phones, portable gaming systems or music devices that could distract from the day’s activities.
- Campers are not required to bring their own food or meals. Lunch and snacks will be provided throughout the day.
Volunteer at Camp Firefly
Trained volunteers serve as camp buddies and accompany participants through activities led by professional social workers, counselors and nurses. Volunteers are always needed, and Ballad Health team members who volunteer can earn CAPs and BEST credits.
Individuals interested in volunteering at Camp Firefly can complete and return the volunteer registration forms to Ballad Health Hospice prior to the training dates listed on the form.
Have questions?
To learn more about Camp Firefly, you can contact Ballad Health Hospice at (423) 431-6146.