Losing a Sibling Weekend
Camp Ramah New England’s Family Weekend: Losing a Sibling is a free weekend program for Jewish families grieving the death of a child and supporting surviving siblings. This grief support weekend provides a structured, supportive Jewish camp environment where parents, children, and teens can connect with others who understand their experience — at their own pace.
What families are saying about Ramah Grief Camps
Ages:
Children ages 6-17 with a parent or guardian
Who attends:
The whole family participates
Location:
Camp Ramah New England, Palmer, MA
Dates:
March 5-7, 2027
Cost:
Free to attend for all families, including lodging and meals
Is this the right fit for your family?
This camp may be a good fit if:
- Your family includes children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a sibling
- You are grieving the death of a child and looking for support as a family
- Your child or teen may benefit from being around peers who understand sibling loss
- You want to build Jewish community with other grieving families
- You are open to try something supportive, flexible, and low-pressure
What the camp experience is like
Families spend the weekend together at Camp Ramah New England, with a blend of age-appropriate grief support, Shabbat celebration, traditional camp activities, time outdoors, and opportunities to create new memories together while honoring the child who died.
How this camp supports families
Participation is always opt-in
Children and adults are invited (but never required) to share. Families can engage in ways that feel comfortable to them.
Sibling grief is seen and held
Surviving siblings are often overlooked as mourners. This weekend creates space for children and teens to connect with others who understand sibling loss.
Parents are supported
The weekend honors the grief of parents who have lost a child. Parents and children are supported differently, together.
Age-appropriate support
Children are grouped by age, and activities are designed to match their developmental stage, relationship to the loss, and comfort level.
Led by trained facilitators
All group grief conversations are guided by experienced staff who are trained to support children, teens, parents, and families navigating loss.
A balance of structure and space
The weekend includes facilitated conversations, Jewish communal experiences, and traditional camp activities, allowing families to move between reflection, rest, connection, and fun.
Connection with others
Families often find it helpful to be around others who understand their experience without needing the loss explained, minimized, or fixed.
1. Submit an interest or registration form
Share a few details about your family so we can understand your needs.
2. Connect with our team
A staff member will follow up to answer questions, learn more about your family, and talk through whether the weekend feels like the right fit.
3. Confirm your participation
If the camp is a good fit, we’ll confirm registration and next steps.
4. Prepare for the weekend
You’ll receive information to help your family know what to expect before arrival.
Our goal is to make this process simple and supportive from the first conversation.
This weekend is for Jewish families grieving the death of a child and raising surviving siblings ages 6-17. If you are unsure whether your family is the right fit, please reach out. We are happy to talk it through with care.
Participation is always opt-in. Children and teens can engage at their own pace, and no one is required to share before they are ready.
No. This is a camp experience with structured support, not clinical treatment.
No. The camp is fully funded for all families, including lodging and meals.
Families with children ages 6-17.
No. Families may come at different points in their grief journey. Some children may remember their sibling clearly; others may be growing up with the loss as part of the family story.
Yes. The whole family participates, although only one parent is required to attend. If your family structure or co-parenting situation is more complex, our team can talk with you about what will feel most supportive and appropriate.
This program takes place within the Camp Ramah New England community and welcomes Jewish families seeking a Jewish camp experience.
Families do not need to be observant or affiliated to participate. The weekend includes some shared Jewish elements, such as Shabbat, and families are welcome to engage at their own comfort level.
The focus of the camp is on connection, support, and shared experience.
Interested in learning more?
If you’re considering whether this is a fit for your family, we’re happy to talk.
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