Camp STAR Offers Free Grief Support Weekend for Children and Teens

Marquette County, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post is promoting
and supporting Camp STAR, a free, weekend-long grief camp that provides a safe, supportive,
and healing environment for children and teens ages 8 to 17 who have experienced the loss of
a parent, sibling, friend, or loved one.

Camp STAR 2025 will take place from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10 and is
hosted by STAR Children’s Bereavement Services. The camp offers a unique blend of
traditional outdoor fun and meaningful grief education, helping young people process loss in
healthy and constructive ways. Spots are still available for those interested in attending.
The camp is primarily organized by MSP Negaunee Post Secretary Ashley Hernandez, who
took over Camp STAR leadership in early 2022, shortly after her own personal experience with
grief in 2021.

“Managing and volunteering at Camp STAR was a huge step in my own healing process by
being able to educate myself on grief and help others when they need it the most, especially
children,” said Hernandez. “I have loved every minute of it and foresee many years of grief
service in my future.”  

Outside of work at the MSP, Hernandez facilitates all programs for STAR Children’s
Bereavement Services, with help from board members, interns, and volunteers. Other members
of the MSP also volunteer at the camp as possible, providing support and mentorship
throughout the weekend.

What to Expect at Camp STAR
Camp STAR offers a supportive weekend for children ages 8-17 who have experienced the
death of a parent, friend, or loved one. The weekend long camp combines traditional, fun, camp
activities with grief education and emotional support.

Camp STAR takes place at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, MI. It is a two-night overnight
camp running from Friday to Sunday. Campers stay on-site and enjoy delicious family-style
meals provided by Bay Cliff.

All camp activities are facilitated by caring, trained professionals, and volunteers. Each camper
is assigned a Camp Buddy, who is a specially trained mentor that provides one-on-one
companionship throughout the weekend. Camp Buddies are young adults ages 18 to 25.
Through the activities and buddy relationship, the children learn skills to share and remember
the person that was lost.

Benefits of Attending
Camp STAR offers a supportive space where children experience feeling accepted and not
alone, having fun without guilt, and exploring emotions while growing and learning healthy
coping skills.

Camp Cost
Camp STAR is completely free for all participants. Everything is 100% free for campers to
attend. Campers only need to bring personal essential items. Bedding, snacks, meals, and more
are all provided.

Who Can Attend
Children and teens ages 8-17 from across the entire state of Michigan and surrounding areas
are welcome to attend.

Deadline to Register
The original registration deadline was July 31st, but Camp STAR is extending the deadline to
August 3rd for camper applications.

For more information about Camp STAR 2025 or to register a child, please visit
https://starcbs.org/summer-camp/ .
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For more information or if people have questions, they can reach out to Camp STAR by
emailing upcampstar@gmail.com or call/text 906-250-2489.