Mariamne Young understands all too well the pain of losing a loved one as does her three grandchildren.

When she lost her daughter, Amne, in 2019 at the age of 36, Young watched her three grandchildren trying to process their own grief.

Days spent mourning turned into weeks that turned into months following Amne’s death.

“I kept asking myself, where is the joy?” she said.

Young always loved summer camp as a child, and she finally figured out how to find some joy for herself, her grandkids, and other children going through the grief of losing a loved one.

“I said, ‘Let’s do a grief camp for kids,’” Young said.

And she did, holding the first Camp Good Hope in October 2023.

The second Camp Good Hope will be held this Oct. 4 and 5 at Camp Hopewell in Lafayette County.

The camp is for children 6 to 17 years old who have lost a loved one.

The 1.5-day, overnight camp is free and children must be accompanied by an adult. Meals are also included free of charge.

Activities include arts and crafts, ropes course, storytime, kayaking, zip line, nature walks, music and bonfires.

Adults may participate in group activities that meet at the same time as the children’s events.

While the camp provides a supportive, nurturing environment where children learn that they are not alone in their grief, there are no therapists or psychologists holding sessions.

The deadline to register is Sept. 15.

Click here to register to attend the camp.

For more information, email campgoodhope@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook.