Thank you for your interest in Camp Forget-Me-Not. Our camp provides a truly unique experience which allows for the fun of traditional camp activities like swimming, zip-lines, arts and crafts, sports and games, while being infused with grief education, memorialization and support.

 

 

1. Camp Forget-Me-Not is for children and teens ages 8-17 who have experienced the death of someone significant.

 

2. For the safety of our campers, Alive volunteers complete an annual background check, including a felony background check. After completing this form, you will be contacted by Alive's Volunteer department with further instructions. 

 

 

3. Camp will be held August 9-10, 2025 at the fabulous YMCA Camp Widjiwagan located just 20 minutes east of downtown Nashville. Volunteers will arrive at Saturday morning and stay overnight (in cabins with campers), leaving camp at Sunday evening. Cabins are air conditioned with well appointed accommodations and bathrooms. 

 

5. All volunteers are required to attend an in-person volunteer training and our pre-camp party/orientation Sunday, August 3rd at 11:00 a.m- 5:00 p.m. at Camp Widjiwagan.

 

 

Please contact us if you have any questions: 615-963-4732 or email: childrensgrief@alivehospice.org

 

Grief Guide (available to volunteers 19 and over): Grief Guides have significant experience in grief support, crisis intervention and/or mental health. Most have previous experience serving at Alive’s grief camps/retreats, but it is not required. Grief Guides are assigned to a specific age group and lead grief activities, small group discussions, and memorial activities throughout the camp/retreat. Grief Guides are responsible for the delivery of the clinical component of the camp/retreat. Grief Guides serve throughout the entire camp/retreat, but have ample breaks while campers engage in recreational activities, and must also attend Camper Orientation night.

Big Buddy (available to volunteers 19 and over): Big Buddies typically have experience working with children/teens. They are assigned to a specific age group and provide leadership and logistical support to campers, and relief for Grief Guides. They keep things going and help campers stay engaged, assisting them as they transition between activities, and participate with them throughout the day. They may lead simple games, ice breakers, or activities during down-times and will have a co-leader to assist them. Big Buddies have ample direct camper engagement, but can rely on Grief Guides to provide clinical/therapeutic components of camp/retreat but are given breaks during meals and clinical activities. Big Buddies serve throughout the entire camp/retreat, and must also attend Camper Orientation night.

Camp Nurse: Attends the full camp weekend, staying overnight, providing minor emergency medical care and the distribution of camper medications. Nurse also attends camper/parent orientation and answers parent questions.

Swag Squad (available to volunteers 19 and over): The Swag Squad brings the FUN!! They provide a break for Grief Guides and Big Buddies by facilitating provided recreational activities and large group games. The Swag Squad has lots of direct camper engagement but will not be responsible for the clinical component of camp. They will build relationships with campers through engaging them in upbeat indoor and outdoor activities. The Swag Squad serves throughout the entire camp/retreat but is provided ample breaks while campers engage in therapeutic activities.

Prep Team: The Prep Team volunteers Friday, August 8th  at Camp Widjiwagan, working alongside Alive staff providing assistance with unloading supplies and setting up for camp. This shift ranges from 2-4 hours and includes complimentary refreshments!

Camp Crew: Camp Crew assist behind the scenes, helping with camper registration, day-of administrative needs, setting up locations before, making sure small groups have snacks and supplies needed. deliver food and water, and work general logistical tasks.

Cabin Captain: Serve as the point of contact at their assigned camper cabin. Provides logistic support and leadership to campers and big buddies during assigned cabin time. COmmunicate needs of campers to the nurse when necessary and/or clinical cordinators. 

Pack Team: The Pack Team volunteers Sunday, August 10th  at Camp Widjiwagan from 4-6 p.m., working alongside Alive staff providing assistance with packing and loading supplies.

**AH Employees ONLY Short Shift: The short shifts will involve coming to do various roles such as welcoming campers to camp, driving snack cart, prepping activities, etc. These shifts will be 2-4 hours. It allows a nice way to connect with campers and volunteers throughout the camp weekend!