Free weekend camps for bereaved children and young people who have lost a parent, sibling or other significant person. The Star Bear camp provides grief support to those aged from six to 13 years and the Star Bear Family camp caters for families with children and young people aged from five to 17 years, who have lost a close family member.
There are two Star Bear and one Star Bear Family camps each year and camps are held in the Adelaide Hills. Children and young people are paired with trained volunteer mentors and experience therapeutic sessions, sports, games and arts and crafts.
Established in 1999 and operated by AnglicareSA since 2002, Star Bear and Star Bear Family camps are funded entirely by donations.
Weekend camps are staffed by trained volunteer mentors and qualified, experienced leaders. Children and parents meet mentors at a pre-camp get together, allowing them to get to know each other and ask questions.
Our loss and grief camps help young people cope with their grief by allowing them to realise that they’re not alone. As one camper explains, “I knew I wasn’t the only one that lost a parent, but I hadn’t met anyone else who had, not before camp.”
While children are attending the Star Bear camp we provide an opportunity for parents to understand more about how to support their children through their grief, as well as opportunities to share experiences with other parents.
At Star Bear Family camp we run separate therapeutic programs for parents or carers and their children. The families come together in the evening for a meal and some shared activities.
Who can access the service
- Star Bear: Children aged six to 13 years who have experienced the loss of a parent or significant person.
- Star Bear Family camp: Parents or carers and their children aged five to 17 who have experienced the loss of a parent or significant person.
Steps on how to access the service
Anyone can refer children and their families to the service.
Once a referral is made to the program a worker will contact to discuss the type of support that’s required.
