From Camper to Camp Buddy A Grief Journey
When you meet Julia, you’re struck by her bright spirit and grounded nature. She’s clear about the impact she wants to make in the world and is on the path to making it happen. But Julia hasn’t always been this way.
At age 10, Julia lost her dad to cancer, leaving her and her younger sister to face life without him. Their dad, Shannon, was larger than life. “He was so smart, was a total breakfast guy, and loved to ride dirt bikes. Dad was really active — on land and in the ocean — he was up for anything,” reflected Julia through a smile.
After her father’s death, she felt lost and alone. “It affected me physically. I had stomach issues, anxiety, and didn’t know how to cope,” shared Julia. “I felt lost in what used to be familiar settings like school.” While her grief ebbed and flowed, she felt out of place and numb. She felt stuck. By the time she turned 15, Julia knew something had to change. That’s when her mom suggested she attend Camp Erin Santa Cruz.
“At first, I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect,” said Julia. “When I started to meet others who knew what it’s like to lose someone, I felt comfortable. The energy, people, and activities made me feel better.” Forging connections and having dedicated time to talk about her feelings, and truly be listened to, are the hallmarks of her experience. As a lover of nature, the outdoor setting felt like home. “I met one of my best friends at Camp,” shared Julia. “Camp is now such a big part of my life.”
At 18, Julia aged out of the program, which serves children 6-17. She was approached about becoming a Cabin Buddy, a trained Camp Erin volunteer who works directly with young campers. “Camp was an influential time for me; I want to create that for others,” said Julia. “It is such a wholesome experience. It’s so comforting.”
At Camp Erin, there are activities focusing on remembrance. Campers decorate and light a luminaria and post pictures on a memory board in honor of their loved one(s). As a Cabin Buddy, though the focus is on campers, Julia still can honor her dad in these ways. “It’s cool to be able to honor him and acknowledge others’ losses.” These ceremonies create an unspoken bond between campers and their Buddies.
“My dad’s death and my grief don’t define who I am. I’m taking my hardship to make something meaningful. This has all taught me how to keep going,” reflected Julia. Now a student at California State University Monterey Bay, Julia is studying social and behavioral science and plans to complete a Master’s in Social Work to realize her goal to help teens and young people navigate their difficulties
Camp Erin Santa Cruz is a free camp for youth aged 7-17, grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Hosted by Hospice of Santa Cruz County, it is led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers. If you’d like to sponsor a camper, contact Jennifer Drummond, Director of Development, (831) 430-3082, jdrummond@hospicesantacruz.org.