Ann Fuchs
Director, Camp COPE
“Where Children Learn
to Grieve and Heal”
My name is Ann Fuchs and I am the Director of Camp COPE, a free, weekend bereavement camp for youth 7 to 17, who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. The weekend combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and trained, compassionate volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are grieving.
CAMP DATE: AUGUST 22-24, 2025
LOCATION: CAMP WAYNE FOR GIRLS, PRESTON PARK ,PA (POCONOS) 2 ½ HOURS FROM NYC
Please note we DO NOT provide transportation.
We offer a parent/caregiver retreat simultaneously at the same location and time offering a restorative opportunity for adults to breathe, connect and share their journeys. If you know of any families who could benefit from this weekend, please forward my email afuchs@copefoundation.org and phone 914-552-6919.
I AM ASKING IF YOU WOULD PLEASE CONSIDER FORWARDING OUR INFORMATION TO COLLEAGUES, PRINCIPLES, FRIENDS, ANY SERVICE OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION YOU DEEM APPROPRIATE.
OUR GOAL IS TO REACH AS MANY GRIEVING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED AS WE CAN. IT IS TRULY LIFE CHANGING!!
The Camp COPE camper application can be completed online at: Camper Application 2025
Many thanks,
Ann Fuchs
Director, Camp COPE
914-552-6919
About Camp COPE
Camp COPE is a FREE, weekend-long grief support camp designed to help children and teenagers ages 7 – 17 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or someone close to them.
Children and teens ages 7 to 17 attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. There is also a concurrent parent and adult retreat for caregivers of the children who attend Camp COPE for a nominal fee.
For more information about Camp COPE, please email Camp Director Ann Fuchs at afuchs@copefoundation.org.
The Camp COPE 2025 Camper Application is Now Available
Parent/Caregiver Retreat
COPE offers a concurrent Parent/Caregiver Retreat to Camp COPE.
Loss affects the entire family. Supporting grieving children ideally involves supporting their parents and caregivers.
While the children are attending Camp on one side of the lake, parents and caregivers have the option of partaking in their own Retreat on the other side of the lake.
There will be scheduled programs and circles where parents and caregivers can share their personal story and find understanding from others who are on a similar path of loss—while learning tools to support themselves and their children in their grief.
There will also be optional free time to enjoy the camp grounds, swim, play tennis, pickle ball, and walk on a wooded trail—hopefully finding some downtime and personal peace.
While Camp COPE is free to attend, a $100 donation is requested for those participating in the Parent/Caregiver Retreat. This donation helps offset the cost of a room for 2 nights and 6 meals and can be made in memory of your loved one.
COPE programs are available to all regardless of your ability to pay, so please contact Ann Fuchs, Director, Camp COPE afuchs@copefoundation.org if you are unable to cover the full donation.
Parents and Caregivers will apply to the Retreat through the Camp COPE application process. You will complete the Camper Application and Interview process first and then you will be able to sign up for the Retreat.
It opened my grief. It gave me new ideas. It showed me the power of holding grief as a community. It helped me feel more comfortable with my grief. It was truly the gift of a lifetime.
Help Support Camp COPE
Your support helps grieving children build a support team, forge forever friendships and gather the tools to navigate their grief journey. THEY need you and WE need your support.
Camp COPE is made possible through the support of many dedicated volunteers and donors. There are several ways to get involved. Please consider volunteering and/or donating.
Camp Location
Camp COPE is hosted at Camp Wayne For Girls.
Camp Wayne for Girls
56 Nice People Place
Preston Park, PA 18455
