Cornerstone Hospice Partners with Camp Boggy Creek for Free Children’s Grief Camp
Chapters Health System — the largest, nonprofit, advanced illness and hospice and hospice care organization in the nation — today announced plans to hold its inaugural week-long Camp Bridges from Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7, 2024 at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, FL.
The five-day camp, provided by Cornerstone Hospice, a Chapters Health affiliate, is for children ages five to high school who have experienced a significant loss. It is free of charge and open to all children in Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola and Sumter counties. It is not required for the child’s loss to have any connection to the Cornerstone Hospice network of care.
For 29 years, Camp Bridges has provided children a welcoming space to express their feelings and learn about the grief process that comes after a significant loss. In 2023, 63 kids participated in Camp Bridges.
“I can’t say enough about the amazing experience in store for the kids at Camp Bridges,” said Reginald Riley, PhD., vice president of support services and patient experience, Chapters Health. “Every year, we look forward to giving these kids an experience filled with fun, compassion, understanding and empathy so they can deal with their grief. It’s a privilege to provide this at Cornerstone Hospice and we thank the amazing team at Camp Boggy Creek for partnering with us and creating the excellent environment that makes it all possible.”
Activities at Camp Bridges include swimming, boating, fishing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, theater, archery, mini golf, dancing and other adventure activities. There are also group activities that provide kids opportunities to bond together, learn how to manage grief and express themselves in a safe space. All the activities, which are led by specially trained volunteers, counselors and camp staff, take place at Camp Boggy Creek, which features 19 cabins, an arts and crafts center, medical center, dining hall, theater, swim center, gym and stable.
“For nearly 30 years, Camp Boggy Creek has provided life-changing Camp experiences for children with a serious medical illness,” said Dan Jurman, president and CEO, Camp Boggy Creek. “As a camp, we’re constantly looking for ways to reach new groups who we know will benefit from our international camp programming. This summer, we’re beyond excited to be partnering with the amazing team from Cornerstone Hospice and Camp Bridges. This partnership will help to provide children who are suffering the loss of a loved one with a fun-filled week where they can be safe, respected, and loved.”
If you are interested in registering a child as a camper for Camp Bridges 2024, you can find the Camp Boggy Creek event application and forms here.
If you are interested in volunteering at Camp Bridges 2024 please contact the Cornerstone Hospice Bereavement Department at 352.742.6793.
For more information on the bereavement services offered at Cornerstone Hospice, please call 1.866.742.6655 or email [email protected].
About Chapters Health System
As a progressive leader and premier healthcare organization, Chapters Health System is dedicated to delivering innovative care throughout chronic illness progression and beyond. Since 1983 as a community-based, nonprofit organization, Chapters Health has provided choices, education and guidance through its managed affiliates. All offerings are provided to improve the patient/family experience well in advance of end-of-life needs. In 2023, Chapters Health was named a Top Workplaces USA award-winner; in 2022, earned certified status for information security from HITRUST and for the sixth consecutive year was recognized as a great workplace in the Aging Services category by the independent analysts at the Great Place to Work® Institute. To learn more, visit www.chaptershealth.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on X and LinkedIn.
About Cornerstone Hospice
Cornerstone Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System, is a community-based, nonprofit organization providing care and support programs to families impacted by life-limiting illnesses. Nearly 7,000 people in Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk and Sumter counties in Florida and Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties in Georgia benefit from Cornerstone programs each year. Enhanced patient and family care is made possible through the generous support of individuals and groups.
About Camp Boggy Creek
Since 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically sound environment. Located just a short drive from Orlando, Florida, the 232-acre camp serves children ages 7-16 who’ve been impacted by a serious illness. As a year-round retreat, Camp Boggy Creek serves thousands of campers and their families through activity-packed weekly and weekend camp programs to support their physical and emotional wellness/wellbeing. For more information, visit www.boggycreek.org.
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Contact:
Austin Mudd
Media Relations Specialist
Chapters Health System
C: 813-310-4690
About Us
Established in 1983 as a community-centered, nonprofit entity, Chapters Health has grown exponentially through its radical approach to healthcare that leverages a one-of-a-kind system to support patients, families, and caregivers across the country, while remaining grounded in the mission of taking care of patients, or taking care of those who do®.






