“It’s like regular camp, with something extra special.”
Circle Camps is a free summer camp and leadership program for girls who have experienced the death of a parent.
Our Programs and Locations
Circle Camps offers programming that grows alongside each camper, honoring the long-term and evolving nature of grief.
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Circle at Camp Twin Lakes
Rutledge, GeorgiaVolunteers: June 27-July 3
Campers: June 28-July 3
Drop-off at Camp Twin Lakes
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Circle at Emma Kaufmann Camp
Morgantown, West VirginiaVolunteers: August 16-22
Campers: August 17-August 22Bus Pick-ups in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV
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Circle at Camp Tapawingo
Sweden, MaineVolunteers: August 23-29
Campers: August 24-August 29Bus Pick-ups in Bridgton, ME and Newton, MA
Each location provides the same intentional Circle experience, grounded in safety, tradition, and connection, while drawing on the strengths of its local camp setting.
Our People: The Heart of Circle Camps
Board and Staff
From our dedicated Board of Directors who guide our mission, to the passionate leadership team and staff who shape the vision and bring the magic of camp to life each summer, every individual plays a vital role. Together, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and joyful community where girls who have experienced the death of a parent can heal, grow, and thrive.
Our Volunteer Counselors
Circle Camps is powered by an extraordinary community of volunteer counselors who travel from across the U.S., they range in age from 19 to 76, and return year after year. Our 80%+ volunteer return rate reflects the depth of commitment to our campers and mission.
Many counselors are Circle Camps alumni—young people who once attended camp themselves and now return to support the next generation.
“People expect Circle to be sad. What they don’t expect is the joy, laughter, and healing that fills the week.”
— Volunteer counselor and Circle Camps alumni
All staff and volunteers complete background checks and training focused on safety, trauma-informed care, and creating inclusive, emotionally safe environments.
What Makes Circle Camps Different?
Circle Camps is a community for girls who have experienced the death of a parent or primary caregiver. For more than 20 years, we have brought grieving girls together in a traditional overnight camp setting—creating space for connection, joy, and honest grief support alongside peers who understand.
Since our inception, over 1,500 girls have attended Circle Camps. Each arrived carrying their own loss. Each left knowing they were not alone.
“When I first looked up Circle Camps, I cried my eyes out. It was the first time I realized my daughters wouldn’t be alone in this.”
— Circle parent
At Circle Camps, grief isn’t something to fix. It’s something to carry, together.
A place where grief is understood, and no one has to carry it alone.
Grief can be isolating, especially for children and teens. Many of our campers are the only ones in their classrooms or friend groups who have lost a parent. At Circle Camps, they are surrounded by peers who understand without explanation.
Circle is unique in its integration of grief support into a traditional camp experience. Campers swim, hike, laugh, sing, and play, while also having space to process grief in ways that feel natural, supportive, and empowering.
“Camp isn’t sad. It’s where my daughter processes her evolving grief, mentors younger girls, and just has fun.”
— Circle parent
No cliques. No explaining. Just belonging.
“Everyone you talk to will be your new best friend. You’re bonded by something bigger than yourselves.” — Circle camper
Our Approach to Grief Support
Our Grief Activities: Thoughtful, Age-Appropriate, and Grounded in Care
“Camp gave my daughter the tools and vocabulary to talk about her dad’s death—and the confidence to feel all the feelings.”
— Circle Camps parent
Circle Camps is not a clinical or therapeutic program. Instead, we provide peer-based emotional support within a carefully structured, emotionally safe environment. Grief support is woven thoughtfully into the rhythm of camp life. Each camper participates in three intentional grief activities during the week, carefully paced to allow time for reflection, rest, and play in between.
These activities are designed to meet girls where they are: developmentally, emotionally, and relationally and to evolve as campers grow year after year. Grief looks different for every child. Campers are never pressured to share outside of their level of comfort.
“Circle has given me an outlet for my grief, and has shown me that I’m not alone. The Circle vibe is different from every other camp I’ve been to. Everyone you talk to will your new best friend. There are no cliques or ‘mean girls’ because you all bonded by something so much bigger than yourselves. The support, tears, and laughter will be a core part of my summer every single year.”
- Circle Camps Camper
