Helping children cope with loss and process grief in healthy ways
Thanks to a generous gift received by Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri, 2026 Express Yourself Camp is available for just $10 per camper.
Overview
Express Yourself Camp provides a safe, nurturing space for children to explore big feelings after a loss or major life change, blended with traditional summer camp fun.
To help boys and girls ages 5–14 who are experiencing complicated and powerful emotions, Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice and Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri have teamed up to offer this unique two-day camp at Camp Tongawood in Tonganoxie, Kansas.
The camp is designed especially for kids who’ve experienced a loss or life change, such as the death of a loved one or special friend, a divorce, moving or losing a home, changing schools, the death of a pet, or a serious illness in the family.
Professionally trained staff, including grief counselors and volunteers, will help children learn healthy ways to express their feelings of loss and to remember a loved one or a life change in a celebratory way.
Campers can connect with other kids their age who are having a similar experience while enjoying small group activities such as music therapy, adventure programming, arts and crafts, skits, and a closing ceremony. Parents/guardians can also take advantage of a special session led by Trauma Smart program staff from Saint Luke's Crittenton Children's Center.
Lunch and snacks are provided.
Call Melissa at 816-502-8901 if you have questions or are interested in volunteering.
No prior service with Saint Luke’s or membership with Girl Scouts is required.
Testimonial from a camper’s caregiver
What part of the camp did your child mention most—and what did they say about how it made them feel?
Paige speaks highly about the entire experience. But she said, specifically in her first year, the music therapy was extremely helpful to her healing.
How did your child talk about their experience at this camp—did they mention anything that helped them express their feelings about a loss or life change in a new way?
Paige loves the activities as they are all geared toward positive expression. She now feels safe talking about her feelings of grief and understands that it’s okay to miss those we love.
What would you tell another parent whose child has experienced loss or major change about how this camp helped your child?
I would tell another parent that the Express Yourself camp is a lifesaver. Your child will learn such positive ways to communicate about their grief and feelings. And you, as a parent, learn communication skills from attending the parent sessions that are held each year.