New Camp Offers Healing Haven for Grieving New Hampshire Children

BROOKLINE, NH – May 06, 2026 – This August, the quiet woods of Brookline will become a place of profound healing as Comfort Zone Camp (CZC), a nationally recognized nonprofit, launches its first-ever free grief support camp in New Hampshire. The weekend program, scheduled for August 14-16 at Camp Tevya, aims to provide a critical lifeline for children navigating the immense challenge of losing a parent, sibling, or close loved one.

For an estimated 6.4 million children across the United States, the death of a family member is a devastating reality. Comfort Zone Camp was founded in 1998 to ensure these children do not have to face their grief alone. Now, its expansion into the Granite State brings a proven model of support to a region where the need is both significant and often unseen.

A Silent Crisis in the Granite State

Behind New Hampshire's scenic landscapes lies a stark statistic: according to data from the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), a leading research tool, approximately 1 in 12 children in the state will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time they turn 18. This form of loss is recognized as one of the most difficult adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), with potential for severe, long-term consequences if left unaddressed.

Research overwhelmingly validates the risks. Studies show that grieving children are more likely to face difficulties in school, with many educators noting that unaddressed grief interferes with a child's ability to learn and engage. The emotional toll can also manifest in more dangerous ways. Youth who have been bereaved face a heightened risk for mental health challenges and suicidality. Furthermore, the likelihood of developing a substance abuse disorder in adulthood is significantly higher for those who experienced a major loss in their youth, with some studies indicating a risk increase of over 175 percent.

"When I lost my parents as a kid, there were no resources. Grief was hard and lonely and something we simply didn't talk about," says Lynne Hughes, Founder and CEO of Comfort Zone Camp. Hughes's personal experience is the driving force behind the organization's mission. "That's still true for too many children, which is why getting to them early matters as much as it does."

More Than a Camp: A Model for Connection and Healing

Comfort Zone Camp is not a typical summer getaway. While it incorporates traditional camp activities like challenge courses, bonfires, and s'mores, these experiences are woven into a carefully designed therapeutic framework. The organization’s model is built on two core pillars: mentorship and peer support.

Upon arrival, each camper, aged 7 to 17, is paired with a trained adult volunteer known as a “Big Buddy.” This one-on-one mentorship provides a stable, supportive presence throughout the weekend, creating a safe space for children who may feel isolated by their experience. This bond is often the first step in helping a child open up.

The emotional centerpiece of the weekend are the Healing Circles℠. These small-group sessions are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and trained volunteers. In these confidential circles, campers are encouraged to share their stories, listen to others, and learn that their feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion are valid and shared. It is here that the true magic of the camp unfolds.

"What I have watched happen at CZC weekends for 26 years is that kids pull up to camp not knowing anyone, and within a few hours, they're leaning in and saying, 'me too,'" Hughes explains. "They tell their stories. They go toward the grief instead of away from it. That access to community and support early on is what changes the trajectory for these kids."

A Deepening Commitment to New England

The inaugural New Hampshire camp is not an isolated effort but a strategic expansion of CZC's long-standing presence in New England. The organization has been running successful programs in Sandwich and Palmer, Massachusetts, since 2009, serving thousands of children from across the region.

David Hull, Chair of the Comfort Zone Camp New England Regional Advisory Council, sees the expansion as a direct response to a growing need. "This new camp in southern New Hampshire reflects the growing need in the New England region, having reached 2,500 campers who have sat in Healing Circles℠, benefitted from having a Big Buddy for the weekend, and have left camp on Sunday feeling less alone than when they arrived," he says.

By establishing a physical presence in New Hampshire, the organization aims to make its programs more accessible to families who may have faced geographic or logistical barriers to attending the Massachusetts camps. "By expanding to New Hampshire, we're deepening our commitment to serving more families with accessible, in-person programs that foster healing, connection, and community," Hull adds. "The impact of these camps extends far beyond the weekend and shapes how these kids carry their grief and move forward in life."

Opening Doors for Families and Volunteers

Crucially, every Comfort Zone Camp program is offered completely free of charge to families, removing any financial barriers to accessing this vital support. The organization's commitment to accessibility extends to providing transportation scholarships for those who need them, ensuring that a family's economic situation never determines a child's path to healing.

The first New Hampshire program is open to children and teens ages 7-17 (or 18 if still in high school) who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Families interested in registering a child can find more information and enrollment forms on the organization's website, www.comfortzonecamp.org.

To make these transformative weekends possible, Comfort Zone Camp relies on a dedicated community of volunteers. The organization is actively recruiting volunteers for the New Hampshire camp to serve as Big Buddies and support staff. No prior experience is required, as CZC provides comprehensive training to prepare all volunteers for their roles. This community-driven model not only makes the camps possible but also enriches the experience, connecting children with caring adults from their own region. Those interested in volunteering or supporting the camp's mission can also find information on the organization's website.