NEXT CAMP PAZ WEEKEND – April 27-28, 2013 register

Camp Paz, a weekend, overnight camp beginning on Saturday morning and ending late Sunday afternoon, reaches out to grieving children ages 6-18 and their families by providing a neutral and safe environment where friendships are created and profound healing take place.

Camp Paz for Kids (Paz means Peace in Spanish), was created in 1999 to give children whose lives have been interrupted by the death of a loved one, and who may be struggling with their feelings, an opportunity to be around others who are living the same experience. At camp, children learn that they are not alone and realize the feelings they experience while grieving are normal. Through laughter and through tears, these children are given the chance to realize that they are not alone.

Children are transitioned through a variety of skills based activities and are divided into age appropriate groups. Who died, and how the loved one died, is also considered and the best possible fit is identified for the child. Topics are presented in a variety of ways including small group discussions, role-play, music, humor and art. Themes of the weekend include trust, vulnerability, interpersonal relationships, guilt, anger, family dynamics, memories, hopes and dreams.

Camp Paz for Kids is facilitated each April and October at Whispering Hope Ranch (WHR) in Payson, Arizona.

WHR is the only organization in Arizona that provides a sanctuary where animals that were born with physical differences or have come from difficult circumstances can interact with children and others with special needs—participating in therapeutic animal-assisted and equine-facilitated programs.

Interaction with special animals is a powerful healing experience. The Ranch animals provide unconditional love and comfort to all guests and visitors, regardless of that individual’s emotional or physical challenges. Unlike humans who often experience an adjustment period when encountering bereaved children and families, animals greet all they encounter with a ready acceptance.

The partnership between Stepping Stones of Hope and WHR is unique, as the ranch has never provided program support for bereaved families. Both organizations believe there is an intrinsic link between bereaved families and animals and the interaction between the two is sure to be nurturing, calming and help promote well-being.

Caring volunteers, skilled in supporting the bereavement process, facilitate the program.

$50 per participant donation is requested to help offset costs. The registration fee includes all lodging, food, activities and take home items. Transportation is not provided.

The requested donation represents 1/6 of the hard costs incurred by Stepping Stones of Hope to provide this program. If able, please consider seeking the support of family, friends, co-workers and others in your sphere of influence to raise additional funds to donate to the organization.

No family is denied services based on financial capacity.

Register Today

Print/Mail Form: Camp Paz for Kids Registration
Online Form: Camp Paz for Kids online Registration

View or print the flyer (opens in a new window - PDF document)

Cost: $50 per camper. Transportation not provided.  (partial scholarships available)
Registration fee includes lodging, food, activities and take home items.

Helpful documents

Frequently Asked Questions
Items Need List Kids
Map to Whispering Hope Ranch