Grief and loss are hard for anyone, and it seems especially unfair when children have to say goodbye to such important people in their lives at a young age. I have watched the power of Camp Lloyd and how it transforms children and families year after year. I am inspired by the work that is done there each summer and for many years have wanted to bring my own grief camp to the Oshkosh area.

Kids who are grieving deserve to feel like kids again. So often they have to grow up quickly. Kids get treated differently by their peers because grief is a hard thing to understand until you've experienced it yourself, and that is especially true for children. Camp will be a safe place for kids to play. The most powerful thing about a grief camp is experiencing the automatic connection of being around people who get it. When everyone at camp has experienced a death loss, there's a hard and beautiful magic that connects you all.

In the summer of 2013, I served as a buddy for Camp Lloyd, a grief camp for children in the Green Bay area. This opportunity came about as an internship while I was in my undergraduate program at UW-Green Bay. Camp Lloyd was founded by Dr. Illene Cupit, and she went from being my professor to a dear friend and mentor. I instantly fell in love with the camp and with grief work. I loved the work so much that I've never left the camp! This summer I will be celebrating my 14th year of volunteering with the camp. I currently serve as the Head Grief Counselor and help with buddy training and coordination of Healing Circles.

Summer camp has held a place in my heart since I was a kid. I went to Girl Scout camp and leadership camp and have staffed at numerous camps as an adult, several for many years. Each camp brings a unique magic and I love getting to experience it all.

In my professional life, I'm an elementary school counselor in the Oshkosh Area School District. I love the work I do each day. My students are the absolute best and I have a therapy dog, Sparty, who comes to work and brings his own magic to school every day.

Through my time with Camp Lloyd and my career as a school counselor, I have worked with many grieving children. Although I have tried my best to refer families to Camp Lloyd, it is challenging to provide transportation to Green Bay twice a day for a week. I have dreamed about bringing the Camp Lloyd magic to the Oshkosh area for years.

I am ready to officially start making moves to bring Camp Willow Tree, a grief camp for children, to Oshkosh. This new adventure feels a little scary but also so hopeful. I know there is a need for children's grief support in this area and it will be an absolute privilege to offer a grief camp made just for kids.

Willow trees have always been my favorite tree, even throughout childhood. The tree is such a beautiful symbol of grief- weeping over loss while staying strong and graceful. I've chosen the colors green and purple to represent my camp. Green as a nod to the willow tree itself and Camp Lloyd, my main source of inspiration, and purple to represent bravery and magic. I am excited to blend the strong origins of the camp created by Dr. Illene Cupit with my hope and vision.

My hope is to launch Camp Lloyd in the summer of 2027. I need the time leading up to this date to raise funds and build connections with sites and the supports I need to make camp happen.

When you support the Camp Willow Tree campaign, you are providing funds to help get Camp Willow Tree off the ground. All money raised will go toward supporting the financial process of becoming a registered nonprofit, securing a host site, and providing materials for the week of camp itself.

I am grateful for your support of my passion project and I can't wait to have the opportunity to serve the grieving children of the Oshkosh area!