Brooklyn, New York— Mackenzie Galloway-Cole’s Google calendar notification of “GRIEF CAMP” triggered a mix of emotions. The prospect of a grief camp was daunting, even for someone like Galloway-Cole, who found herself widowed in her late 20s after her wife, Megan, passed away suddenly from a cardiac event in November. Adjusting to this new reality felt like losing her center of gravity, leaving her feeling disconnected and untethered.
About a month after Megan’s passing, Galloway-Cole learned about Experience Camps, a nonprofit that organizes summer camps for grieving kids, which had recently expanded to include an adults-only grief retreat. Despite not being a “camp kid” in her younger years, Galloway-Cole decided to sign up for the Experience Camps’ 2024 adult getaway at a historic summer camp in the Poconos.
The weekend retreat aimed to provide a space for bereaved adults to grieve, connect, and play, offering traditional camp activities along with opportunities for grief-based discussions and reflections. Galloway-Cole, initially apprehensive about being in a new space with strangers, found solace in the welcoming and supportive environment of the camp.
As the weekend unfolded, Galloway-Cole and fellow campers shared intimate stories of loss, finding common ground and connection through their experiences of grief. The camp provided a safe space for campers to navigate the complexities of grief, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
The camp’s emphasis on joy and play alongside moments of reflection resonated with Galloway-Cole, who found a sense of lightness and happiness that had eluded her since Megan’s passing. Through sharing stories of Megan and embracing her memories, Galloway-Cole discovered a newfound sense of community and support in her grief journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Galloway-Cole realized the power of communal grief and the importance of sharing one’s story. The camp not only provided a space for healing but also created opportunities for lasting connections and friendships among individuals who understood the weight of loss.
Looking ahead, Galloway-Cole plans to continue sharing her experiences and memories of grief camp, hoping to inspire others to find solace and community in their own grief journeys. The camp served as a reminder that grief is multifaceted and that joy, connection, and reflection can coexist in the process of healing.