Helping children find hope.
Camp Hope is a free camp for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We provide a safe environment for grieving kids and teens as they share memories, make new friends, and have fun.
Upcoming Camps
Fall
October 18-19, 2025
Our Activities
Our activities help kids clarify thoughts, express emotions, and move through grief.
Camp Hope CA Origin Story
In 2005, sisters-in-law Lynn Hebert and Leslie Wilson co-founded Dan Hebert Camp Hope after Lynn’s husband, Dan, died at the age of 36 leaving behind his 5 and 2 year old sons. For the next 15 years Dan Hebert Camp Hope held camps to help grieving kids and teens. In 2019, their Northern California location closed and Lynn retired.
Inspired to continue the legacy of Dan Hebert Camp Hope, Leslie Wilson along with veteran counselors Chris Miller, Marsha Weinberg, Charles Westfall and Sherry Gandy co-founded Camp Hope California. Based in San Diego, their work builds on their 15 years of expertise running weekend camps, in order to continue to provide opportunities for grieving kids and teens to gather and explore their grief.
Our Staff
The volunteer counselors at Camp Hope California share a common desire to help children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one. Most volunteer counselors have years of experience working at the original Camp Hope in Northern California as well as at other grief camps. CHC volunteers are committed to creating a meaningful camp experience where campers can explore their journey through grief. All volunteer staff are unpaid.
Testimonials
“I can’t begin to express how deeply grateful I am for Camp Hope. My kids came home with hearts full of joy, stories to tell, and a renewed sense of belonging. Watching them open up about their experiences and realizing they are not alone was nothing short of transformative. They laughed, cried, connected, and healed in ways I never imagined possible. The camp gave them a safe space to be vulnerable, to share, and to grow. It wasn’t just a camp—it was a community, a family, a beacon of hope. As a parent, seeing your children feel seen and understood is the greatest gift. Camp Hope gave that to us. Thank you for creating a place where healing begins and hope is restored.”
“I can honestly say it was one of the best things I could have done to deal with my grief. Before arriving I was nervous but by the time I went to bed I didn’t want to leave. I have met so many fantastic people that have helped me know that I am not alone in my experiences. I would recommend this camp to any person who has ever lost anybody. Thank you Camp Hope for helping me sort out my grief and meet so many amazing people.”
“I just want to say how truly wonderful Camp Hope California was for my son, Eric. He had such a great experience and came home smiling every single day! All of the counselors were so kind and welcoming, and he loved spending time with the other kids. The food was great, and he especially enjoyed all of the art projects—he even hung them up in his room as a reminder of his time there. Being around other children who have gone through similar experiences was really meaningful for him. He even made a new friend and has already asked if he can come back in the spring!”
