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Camp Courage & Camp Courage – Teens
Camp Courage (kids ages 6-10) and Camp Courage – Teens (kids ages 11-18)
June 3 – 7, 2024
Camp Courage & Camp Courage – Teens
Camp Courage and Camp Courage – Teens are overnight camps serving children and teens who are grieving a death. The camps are held in June each year at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, MO. Camp Courage is a 5-day, 4-night camp for children ages 6-10, while Camp Courage – Teens is a 5-day, 4-night camp for teens ages 11-18. Both camps are a safe, comfortable, fun experience where grieving kids and teens can connect.
This year, both camps will be held the SAME WEEK. Campers will enjoy a NEW CAMPGROUND with FUN, NEW ACTIVITIES!
At Camp Courage/Camp Courage – Teens, there are times for free play, for group fun, and for quiet reflection.
What activities may be available at camp?
Fishing |
Hiking |
Canoeing |
Ziplining |
Crafting Trouble Dolls |
Paddleboating |
Building Worry Rockets |
Making Spin Art |
Painting |
Exploring Nature |
Drawing |
Bracelet Making |
Tie Dying |
Beading |
Making Pottery |
Clay Work |
Brick Painting |
Singing |
Dancing |
Storytelling |
Wacky Olympics |
Campfires |
Ropes Courses |
Climbing |
Gaga Ball |
Kickball |
Basketball |
Volleyball |
Croquet |
Water Play |
No-Talent Show |
Candle Lighting |
Family Picnic |
Archery |
Special Guests |
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How do the campers get to the campgrounds?
The campers will meet at Annie’s Hope, check-in, and load their belongings into the buses that we lease. Campers will return to Annie’s Hope after camp to be picked up by family, or they will ride home with a family member who attends the Friday Closing Ceremony.
Where do the campers stay while at camp?
New location, new memories! In 2024, we are excited to announce camp will be hosted at Lake Williamson Christian Center.
Who are the counselors who will be with my children?
For every three to four campers, there is one Cabin Counselor. All counselors must be at least 18 years of age or older. There are also 4-6 Activities Counselors who help in arts and crafts, sporting events, hiking, fishing, archery, etc. The counselors’ most important role is to ensure the campers are safe, – physically and emotionally. They are also responsible for making sure each camper has the opportunity to try new things, master familiar skills, and share their grief.
What does it cost to attend Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens?
There is no fee to attend Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens, yet we need financial support to make the camps happen. The full value of attending Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens per camper is $1,300. Every family with an accepted camper will be expected to make a donation to the best of their ability. Any donation to help with the expenses is greatly appreciated. The donation can be raised from family, friends, co-workers, etc. or it can be from personal family funds. All donations will directly pay for Camp Courage/Camp Courage – Teens expenses. The amount of financial support decides how many campers may attend Camp Courage/Camp Courage – Teens. All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $13, $130, $1,300. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No child or teen is turned away because he or she is unable to make a donation.
How can my child/teen get involved in Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens?
Applications are required for every camper who wishes to participate in Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens. Applications must be fully completed when submitted to be considered for the camp experience. Campers will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with special preference to campers who have not previously attended Camp Courage in-person. All first-time campers must complete an interview with Annie’s Hope before acceptance is offered.
Camp applications include two parts. Each child, 6-10 years of age, will need both parts of the application to be completed by a parent or guardian. Each teenager, 11-18 years of age, will need to complete part 1 of the application while a parent or guardian will need to complete part 2 for the teen.
Forms may be completed by hand or electronically. To complete electronically, save the document to your device using the “save as” function. From there, complete and re-save the document. Finally, you may email the completed document as an attachment to Annie’s Hope. Alternatively, applications can be printed and mailed/faxed to Annie’s Hope. Our staff will contact you when applications are received to review the next steps.
CAMP 2024 APPLICATIONS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN JANUARY.
Interested in volunteering at Camp Courage and/or Camp Courage – Teens?
Awesome! Volunteering at Camp is a rewarding, joyful experience you aren’t soon to forget.
To learn more about being a Cabin Counselor, Activities Counselor, or Camp Nurse, email janad@annieshope.org.
To learn more about Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens, contact Jana Dutton, Camp & Retreat Coordinator, at janad@annieshope.org or (314) 965-5015.
Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from Cardinals Care, Jefferson Foundation, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation, Old Newsboys Day Fund, and the Rotary Club of St. Louis.
Social Events
Social Events
Social events are family or children & teen gatherings that offer Annie’s Hope families an opportunity to come together for fun while connecting to others who have shared similar losses.
Where are the social events?
The social events are held at a variety of locations. Some gatherings will be held at Annie’s Hope while others will be held at off-site locations.
What will we do at social events?
Choices for gatherings include Muny and Fox productions, bowling, ice skating, picnics, Bingo Night, visits to Six Flags, Magic House, St. Louis Science Center, Butterfly House, St. Louis Cardinals, Blues or Rams games, movie theatres, restaurants, etc.
What does it cost to attend a social event?
There is no fee for families to attend social events, yet we need financial support to make the social events happen. The average full value of each family to attend is $330. Any family who can make a donation is strongly encouraged to do so. All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $3, $33, $330. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.
How can a family reserve a space to attend?
A family can reserve a space by contacting Kaitlyn Paton, Program Director, at (314) 965-5015.
Organizational sponsors provide significant annual support for the programs of Annie’s Hope. Our 2022 – 2023 sponsors include ARCO, Accent Group Solutions, Villa Lighting Supply, Plaza Advisory Group, MSG Jewelers, Safety National, On The Run by Wallis Companies, Baue Funerals*Crematory*Cemetery, Great Southern Bank, Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center, In Loving Memory of My Friend Patti Unland, Rottler Pest Solutions, and Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory.