Comfort Zone Camp Program

"My nephew attended this camp! The Comfort Zone Camp Program is another great organization that helps families. Comfort Zone Camp is the nation's largest bereavement camp offering weekend camps for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary...." —Lucas Aragon, sister Kim Nunez, an innocent bystander was killed during lunch hour in New Mexico

A message from Milly Barrantes, the Intake Coordinator for Comfort Zone Camp in California:

Lucas Aragon provided me with your information so I can answer some questions about Comfort Zone Camp. I had a chance to review your website, and I am very impressed by your phenomenal mission.

I hope these answers help!

How can families find out more about your camp programs?
Milly: I would be happy to send brochures to families in need of the camp. They can send a request to mbarrantes@comfortzonecamp.org

What are the costs of the camp?
Milly: Camp is 100% free

Do you have scholarships for low-income families? How does it work ... scholarships?
Milly: We have a travel scholarship program for out-of-state families. The families need to apply to the scholarship. Comfort Zone then informs them of the allotted amount for their travel expenses.

What do families need to know about the camps ... plan for the camps?
Milly: The family needs to fill out an application online or a paper application. After Comfort Zone Camp receives the application they will contact the family to verify the camp date chosen. Then a phone interview is scheduled with the Parent/Guardian to get to know the child better and understand where they are in their grieving process. The family will then receive a Welcome Packet that includes a packing list, directions and camp schedule.

What other organizations work with Comfort Zone?
Milly: Our referrals arrive from many organizations such as New York Life, DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services), Hospice, Support Groups, Community Resource Centers, Therapists, School Counselors, etc.

Comfort Zone Camp is a nonprofit 501(c)3 bereavement camp that transforms the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. The free camps include confidence building programs and age-based support groups that break the emotional isolation grief often brings. Comfort Zone Camps are offered to children 7-17, and are held year-round across the Country.

Grieving Dads' Project

This project is designed to reach out to all bereaved dads and to provide a conduit to share their stories. The project founder, Kelly Farley, says one of his goals is to bring awareness to the impacts that child loss has on fathers and to let society know that it’s okay for a father to grieve the loss of a child. A father shouldn’t have to hide his pain or feel ashamed to show his emotions.

Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)

" Great organization. I'm returning this year to attend their national conference August 7-11."—Cheryl Cooper, son Christopher, an innocent bystander, was killed in Independence, MO

From the POMC website: Grief does not just "go away" with time. One of the most important things you can do is connect with a person or group with whom you can talk freely. One source of good listeners is the National Headquarters of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.® The national staff is available to listen and assist you with specific problems. They can assist you with helpful resources and put you in contact with someone who understands what you are experiencing.

Umbrella Ministries

"I went to one Umbrella Ministries conference. It was wonderful. ... I went to my second Umbrella Ministries conference. It helps me and my mother so much." —Catherine Harper, son Brandon, an innocent bystander, was killed by a fleeing driver on one of the busiest streets in Santa Barbara

"I attended a conference with friends several years ago and totally related to this quote from their website: “We may not be able to make the sun shine for you... but we can hold the umbrella” —Candy Priano, daughter Kristie was killed by a fleeing driver and a non-policy police pursuit in Chico, CA