Camp Spinoza

Each summer, a transformation unfolds in the woods of the Monroe Camp and Retreat Center. Laughter echoes along wooded paths, art projects dry in the sun, and friendships form around campfires. For the children who attend Camp Spinoza, this is more than a weekend away—it is a safe space to grieve, heal, and discover that they are not alone.

This year, Hospice of Scotland County will host Camp Spinoza on May 30-31, continuing a tradition that has supported grieving children in the community for more than three decades. Designed for children ages 6 to 12 who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one, Camp Spinoza offers a compassionate, structured environment where grief is acknowledged, feelings are honored, and hope is gently restored.

A Place Where Children Can Just Be Children

Camp Spinoza blends the best parts of a traditional summer camp with thoughtful, grief-informed programming led by trained counselors and dedicated volunteers. From the moment campers arrive Saturday morning for registration, they are welcomed into a community built on understanding and care.

Throughout the weekend, children participate in activities that encourage expression, connection, and healing. Art projects, games, nature-based experiences, group discussions, and creative play are intentionally woven together to help campers process their emotions in ways that feel natural and age-appropriate. Guided meditation, communication exercises, and healing circles give children tools to understand and express their grief—often for the first time alongside peers who truly understand.

“Children grieve differently than adults, and their emotions can be difficult to name or explain,” said Tanya Williams, bereavement coordinator for Hospice of Scotland County. “At Camp Spinoza, they learn that whatever they’re feeling is okay. They see other children who are going through similar experiences, and that connection can be incredibly powerful.”

More Than a Camp—A Community

Camp Spinoza is made possible through the generosity of the Scotland Memorial Foundation and the commitment of volunteers who give their time, compassion, and energy to support grieving children. Thanks to this support, the camp is offered at no cost to families, ensuring that every child who needs this experience can attend.

The overnight format allows campers to step outside their daily routines and immerse themselves fully in the camp experience. Evenings are often filled with laughter, campfire songs, and shared moments that help ease the heaviness of loss. By Sunday morning, many campers arrive at breakfast with new confidence, new friendships, and a renewed sense of belonging.

One of the most meaningful traditions of Camp Spinoza is its closing ceremony, which includes family members and concludes with a butterfly release—a symbol of hope, transformation, and new beginnings. It is a moment that stays with campers and families long after the weekend ends.

Building Healthy Coping Skills for the Future

Grief does not end when camp is over, but Camp Spinoza equips children with coping strategies they can carry forward. Through shared experiences and gentle guidance, campers learn healthy ways to manage sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty—skills that can positively shape their emotional well-being for years to come.

“Bereavement care for children is essential,” Williams said. “By addressing grief early on, we help children heal in healthy ways instead of carrying that weight alone. Camp Spinoza gives them the reassurance that they are supported, understood, and capable of moving forward.”

Registration Information

Camp Spinoza will take place May 30-31, 2026, at the Monroe Camp and Retreat Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and the camp concludes with a closing ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Space is limited, and priority is given to new applicants.

Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to complete the Camp Spinoza application by Friday, May 22.

For more information about Camp Spinoza or other bereavement services offered by Hospice of Scotland County, please contact Tanya Williams at 910-276-7176.