Camp By The Sea
Camp by the Sea is a one-day grief camp to support children in grades K-8 and their families who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Camp by the Sea is offered at no cost to participants. Camp by the Sea combines grief support and education with fun activities such as face painting, arts & crafts, yoga class, visiting farm animals, music, and more. Our staff & volunteers provide a safe place for children to explore grief, share memories, and make connections. We offer additional activities and support for parents and guardians of Campers.
Camp by the Sea applications are now open!
Join us for our family grief camp at Slough Farm on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
Register for Camp by the Sea today
Applications are available online using the button below. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until we are full. A pre-camp interview is required. Camper/Family applications due by Sept. 11. There is a pre-Camp Pizza Party on September 17th for Campers to meet their assigned Buddy volunteers and share a slice with other Campers.
Learn more about Camp by the Sea
Listen to our interview with MVY Radio for the Vineyard Current.
Apply to volunteer at Camp by the Sea
Camp By The Sea relies on the dedication and compassion of volunteers. If you are interested in helping, we invite you to complete a volunteer application online. Volunteer application deadline is extended to Aug. 28. There is a required volunteer training on September 3d for all volunteers, including new and returning volunteers. Volunteer Buddies must attend the pre-camp Pizza party on September 17th.
Description of Volunteer Roles:
Camp Support Volunteers: Accompaniment of groups and/or individual campers as “Buddies,” meal service and clean up, lead activities, and administrative tasks. Camp support volunteers must be onsite for the full day of Camp on Sunday, September 27 at Slough Farm.
Licensed Counseling Support: Provide therapeutic support to campers and families, in collaboration with HPCMV licensed counselors.
Facilities Volunteers: Help with check-in, parking, setup & cleanup.
Musicians: Provide music at times during the day, lead music activities.
Photographers: Preferably onsite for the full Camp day on Sunday, September 27 at Slough Farm to take photos AND follow up to edit photos and to collaborate on creating slideshows and other image use.
Funding Information
Camp By The Sea is offered at no cost to participants thanks to funding from generous supporters like you, as well as philanthropic foundations that support our children’s grief programming.
2026 Children’s grief programming is supported by the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation and Slough Farm Foundation. Our 2027 children’s grief program is supported by The Couch Family Foundation.
Our ongoing children’s support funding is also supported by the Donna Lee Stauffer Memorial Fund, a new restricted fund supporting our social workers and counselors specially trained to provide grief support to children. The fund was established by former HPCMV Executive Director Cathy Stauffer Wozniak in memory of her six-year-old sister, Donna Lee, who was tragically killed when Cathy was just eight years old.
FAQ
What is Camp by the Sea?
Camp by the Sea (CBTS) is a one-day grief camp offered to support children in grades K-8 and their families who have experienced the death of someone close to them. CBTS will provide a safe place to explore grief, share memories, and make connections, while also having fun.
When and where is Camp by the Sea?
Sunday, September 27, 2026, At Slough Farm in Edgartown, MA.
Who can participate?
CBTS is for families with a child/children in grades K-8 who have experienced the death of one or more people close to them during their lifetime. It does not have to be a recent death or an immediate family member. Year-round and part-time Martha’s Vineyard residents are eligible to apply.
What will the day look like?
Camp by the Sea will provide an environment that encourages kids and families to explore grief, experience community, and have fun. Activities include face painting, arts & crafts, yoga class, visiting farm animals, pick-up games, a meditative sound bath, creating a memorial wall, and more.
Weather permitting, we will be outdoors much of the day with some activities inside. All planned activities are optional – there is always time to take breaks and relax
Why attend a grief camp on MV?
Camp by the Sea provides an opportunity for our Island community to process and express grief, play, and learn how to live with loss.
Who runs Camp by the Sea?
Camp by the Sea is organized and facilitated by Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard (HPCMV) bereavement professionals and trained volunteers. An RN will be on site all day.
How much does it cost?
Camp by the Sea is offered at no cost to all attendees.
What do participants need to bring for the day?
Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle and any personal care items needed for a full day, keeping in mind that we will spend time outside, weather permitting. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day, lunch is provided. We encourage you to bring a photo or small memento of your person(s) to share (you will take your item(s) home with you at the close of CBTS).
How can I get more information?
Call us at 508-693-0189, or email us at campbythesea@hospiceofmv.org
How do I sign up?
Fill out the application here. A pre-camp interview is required. Someone from HPCMV will be in touch after you submit your application.
What are other ways to get involved?
Camp By The Sea is operated with the support of volunteers in a variety of roles including meal service, administrative tasks, activity leads, musicians, etc. All volunteers must attend a training. If you are interested in volunteering at Camp by the Sea, please fill out the volunteer application by August 17, 2026.
How is Camp By The Sea funded?
Camp by the Sea is supported by grants from the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation and the Slough Farm Foundation and through philanthropic contributions of donors in our community.
Other Grief Informed Events for Children
Sweets By The Sea
Seedlings By The Sea
Photo Gallery
CBTS Photos by Melissa Knowles
