Click here to view the 2021 camp dates and apply!

One of the core beliefs of Okizu is that peer support, or coming together with others who share a common experience, is among the most meaningful kinds of support for people coping with cancer. For families who have experienced the death of a child, that support can be very meaningful.

At Bereaved Family Camp, the anxiety about what to say to people is often lessened, because there is no need to worry that others will be surprised, shocked, or uncomfortable.

The feeling of isolation that many families describe is also quickly diminished, merely by looking around the group and knowing that everyone shares the experience of loss.

In the community of shared experience that is Okizu, family members can tell their stories and be supported by the understanding and camaraderie instinctive to this special group. They can grieve for their child or sibling, and also celebrate the life that brought such joy, surrounded by people who truly understand.

Okizu families say it best.

“This was the first time since our son passed away that we felt understood and free to share. It was incredible to see the way our daughter blossomed in a weekend.” – Bereaved Family Camp Parent

“The benefits are many. Knowing we are not alone in our experiences. Meeting others who have a better understanding of our loss. Learning that it is okay to grieve any way we need to and that it doesn’t have to end after a specific length of time. Having a safe place to go where everyone is welcome and we can have fun experiences as a family.” – Bereaved Family Camp Parent

Bereaved Family Camps

All Okizu Family Camps will be held online this year using a new model. Instead of the traditional weekend of camp, we will offer a season of camp with activities offered over a two-month period. We know that folks are spending a lot of time on Zoom right now during the week so we spread out the activities with shorter sessions over several weekends to accommodate varied schedules and avoid Zoom fatigue. During each season of Family Camp there will be two opportunities to join a parent discussion group specifically for bereaved families. Participation is voluntary and families are welcome to participate in any or all activities that meet their need and interest level.

Bereaved Teen Camps

In their everyday lives, it is so rare for a teenager to meet another teenager who has lost a sibling to cancer. This feeling of being “different” from their friends and classmates can make teens particularly vulnerable to peer pressures and social isolation. The opportunity to bond with a group in their own age range who share the experience of losing a brother or sister to cancer can be extremely healing and is described by the kids themselves as “priceless.”

For these teens Okizu will offer a program similar in structure to Family Camp. There will be a season for the Bereaved Teen Program with activities scheduled on certain dates over a two-month period. There will be some fun activities as well as discussion opportunities during each season.

Applications

Click here to view the 2021 camp dates and apply!

If you would like to receive additional information about Okizu, please call the office at 415.382.9083, or email enrollment@okizu.org.





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