Camp Good Mourning Inc

Camp Good Mourning! (CGM!) helps children cope during the most difficult time of their life—when they’re grieving the loss of a loved one. This amazing non-profit organization offers free bereavement camps twice a year, along with important resources to help manage grief. Additionally, CGM! educates school district personnel on how to help their grieving students. The organization provides a life-changing service to children and serves a vital function within Long Island communities.

As a volunteer with CGM!, I have been lucky enough to work on the administrative end as well as with the children at camps. I have met some of the best people! It is always special bonding with the kids. At the last camp, a few of them braided my hair! I also had the pleasure of meeting some very sweet and wonderful volunteers. I have been with the organization for over three years and the experiences I’ve had have been truly life-changing.

Whether you donate your time, money or both, please support Camp Good Mourning! - because no child should grieve alone.

I had a wonderful experience at Camp Good Mouning’s Spring Camp in May. I attended Camp Good Mourning as a Big Buddy which my role was to listen and be supportive of the Campers. The most rewarding part of camp is seeing the bonds that then campers form and they know they are not aone in their journey. I am proud to be a part of this special group at Camp Good Mourning and hope to keep supporting this very important Organization.

I had the privilege of first volunteering with Camp Good Mourning during their first camp which happened to take place via Zoom. At that time I was impressed by executive director, Paul Rubin, going above and beyond to ensure that grieving children still received support (and even fun swag bags delivered to their homes). That is why I enjoy volunteering with CGM so much - Paul makes it as inclusive as possible and will find ways to make sure the children who need to can participate in camp.
It’s also amazing that camp is a completely FREE experience yet is run with the same thoughtfulness and care to providing top quality (including food!) that you would expect to see in the hospitality industry and not always typical for a nonprofit organization. And again, Paul’s reasoning is to provide kids with the best possible positive experience.
Each year I volunteer I see the program grow, improve and flourish. Every time I think it couldn’t possibly get better, it still somehow does. This past in-person camp I volunteered with as a Support Group Leader had the biggest turnout of campers and volunteers yet. I still don’t have words to describe the transformation that happened that weekend.
I’ve worked and volunteered in the mental health field for over 15 years in a wide variety of roles as well as utilized different services personally myself. Camp Good Mourning is a truly unique, incredible and special organization that’s stands apart from the rest.

As a first time volunteer for Camp Good Mourning I had an amazing and positive weekend with the children and staff. It was very organized and very successful. The transformation of the children when they first arrived on Friday a little nervous and unsure of what to expect, to Sunday afternoon when they left, more confident, happier and educated on coping skills. From the fun and games to the relaxing and serious times, the comfort and cooperation of everyone there was evident. I hope to be included in all future events with Camp Good Mourning, and I recommend the same to all new volunteers and campers.
Sharon Strauss

Throughout the last few years, I have witnessed Camp Good Mourning positively impact the lives of dozens of children on Long Island. I got started in 2020 when the camp needed big buddies (counselors), particularly men, for an upcoming camp. After experiencing how special this nonprofit is for campers, as it supports children grieving the loss of a loved one, I believe it is also healing for the volunteers who have often gone through a similar experience in their lives. Now, I am excited to volunteer for yet another camp, my fifth in a row. I enjoy meeting the new campers and look forward to welcoming back those who attended previous camps. The kids connect with one another and make friends as they attend the three day camps. In addition, after camp there are many great events held throughout the year allowing everyone to keep in touch while supporting the growth of the organization. Recently, I have been fortunate enough to raise funds for the camp through both a grant and a fundraiser as my network of coworkers and friends have seen the tremendous support the camp offers children. I'm proud to be a part of Camp Good Mourning!