Hospice Austin camp gives grieving kids room to be kids
Camp Brave Heart brings children and teens who have experienced loss to a free summer camp southwest of Austin. The program mixes grief support with activities such as ropes, archery, crafts and swimming.
Hospice Austin runs Camp Brave Heart each year at John Knox Ranch in Fischer for rising second graders through rising 10th graders who have experienced loss. The free camp has operated for nearly 30 years and includes activities such as a high ropes course, archery, arts and crafts and swimming at Blue Hole in Wimberley.
The program gives campers access to trained staff and volunteers without forcing every child to talk about grief on an adult timeline. For Austin families dealing with loss, it offers a local support setting where children can have fun, meet peers and get help when they are ready.