Experience Camps is a national nonprofit that runs free, one-week overnight summer camps for children and teens who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Founded in 2009, the program blends traditional sleepaway-camp fun — sports, teamwork, outdoor activities — with a clinically-informed peer support model led by licensed clinicians and grief specialists.
NYC-area families are well-positioned to attend: the closest locations are in Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, and the organization arranges free bus transportation to camp from regional stops. No child is turned away for financial reasons — the program is entirely no-cost, including lodging and meals. Applications are submitted online, and eligible families are contacted for an intake conversation after applying.
