Community Announcements
Featuring some of the latest news about the Camp Kerry Society’s programs, events, and more.
With classes suspended across the country and families practicing social distancing by staying home, we know lots of parents are looking for ways to keep their kids busy. At Camp Kerry we believe in the power of art to inspire hope and possibility – especially during difficult times.
So we asked Sophie, one of Camp Kerry’s awesome art therapists, to put together some at-home art activity ideas for you and your family. These activities use common household items. You can easily improvise and substitute with whatever items you have available to you. Have fun!
In Response to Coronavirus
After ongoing discussions with members of our team and consultations with frontline health care professionals, we have concluded that it is in the best interests of both our participants and our teams to postpone all of our current group programs across Canada until further notice.
These Simple Words…
Have you ever wanted to write your own song? Let Camp Kerry Music Therapist Luke Burton be your guide, as you explore your creative side and set your emotions in motion with creativity exercises and easy song-writing tools in this fun and safe workshop. No prior...
2019 Annual Report
At Camp Kerry, we go beyond traditional counselling approaches to harness the love, compassion and creativity of an entire community to support and embrace those who are grieving.
Call for Nominations 2020: Board of Directors
The Camp Kerry Board of Directors is calling for nomination of candidates to stand for the Camp Kerry Society Board of Directors.
Vancouver Island Grief Retreat for Youth
Vancouver Island Grief Retreat for Youth March 20-23, 2020, Crofton, Vancouver Island If you're between the ages of 13-19 and want to learn how to cope with the death of a loved one then join us for an experience like no other - you'll be glad you did!AboutCamp...
Grief Made My Kids Stronger
My name is Laurette. In 2009 I had three children under seven. And a husband with cancer…
National Bereavement Day 2019
November 19, 2019, is Canada’s third National Bereavement Day. On this day, the Camp Kerry Society invites all Canadians to think about our loved ones who have died and to help advocate for support at local, provincial and national levels for grieving Canadians.
Team Camp Kerry Wins A Prize in the Charity Challenge
Last June a remarkable group of Runners, Volunteers and Supporters assembled to form Team Camp Kerry at the Vancouver Scotiabank Half Marathon & 5K Charity Challenge. We raised $14,555 and had a ton of fun doing so. We have an exciting update to share: Team Camp...
New Brunswick Children’s Foundation Making a Difference Once Again
Marilyn Lester (right), president New Brunswick Children’s Foundation presents a $7,000 grant to Pam Pastirik, Camp Kerry Atlantic. Since 2016, the New Brunswick Children's Foundation has gone above and beyond to support families in New Brunswick through our...
Bubble Soccer? Come See for Yourself
We are very pleased to announce that the Bayview Credit Union has selected Camp Kerry as its charity of choice for its third annual Bubble Soccer funraiser. It's an opportunity for people to come together for a full day of fun while supporting an excellent cause. All...
Naadia’s Story: Surrounded by Love
“Camp Kerry became an important part of my family’s grieving process and also a place to celebrate and honour the lives of those we had lost.”
A Message from the Captain
To the amazing Team Camp Kerry Runners, Volunteers, and Supporters: WE DID IT! We shattered our goal and raised a staggering $14,555 I'm in awe. What a phenomenal drive by a small, caring and focused group. We crushed the race course! Many of us had recent injury...
Walking Around With A Smile
Lily was only 7 years old when her father, Doug, died. He’d had a brain tumor since before she was born…“He could have died before I was born,” she continues. “But I got seven whole years.”
Notice of 2019 Annual General Meeting
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of members of the Camp Kerry Society (the “Society”) will be held at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, British Columbia on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 1:15 pm.
Community Celebration 2019
Join us in celebrating our compassionate community and the wonderful success we’ve shared…
Music, My Sanctuary: Featuring Aspen Switzer
Come on out to Port Alberni, British Columbia for an unforgettable evening of music featuring folk artist, Aspen Switzer and company. Proceeds will be used to provide bereavement services to Vancouver Island Youth.
Find Me A Sanctuary: Vancouver Island Workshop
Exploring some of the benefits of music and mindfulness-based self-care practices. Participation is encouraged for those coping with grief & loss and for those working/volunteering in the helping professions.
Please Just Listen: A Workshop for Volunteers Working With Those Who Are Bereaved
A chance to explore what we mean and intend when we say how important it is to listen and also what makes it so complicated.
We Are Better Together
Moove n’ Grooove Dance studio gives breathtaking performances entitled, “The Journey to Hope”, in support of Camp Kerry – raising over $10,000!
Kitchen Volunteers Needed
Help bring the magic of connection, healing and hope to families impacted by grief and loss by joining our kitchen crew…
James Bidgood 2019 Memorial Puck N’ Ball Tournament
Well the rumors are true, the 4th Annual James Bidgood Memorial Hockey Day is now a puck and ball tournament. This means 2 games of Hockey and 2 games of Baseball. The best part is proceeds will go to benefit both Camp Kerry Ontario and Hospice Norwood!
Find Me A Sanctuary
A Music & Mindfulness Self-Care Workshop for those Living with Grief and Loss.
2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K Charity Challenge
Support Life After Loss when you walk, wheel or run your way to the finish line in the 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon and 5K events! To register or sponsor a team member…
The Ebb and Flow of Grief: How One Father Finds Hope
Sandi was 37 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Almost immediately, she started what would be 5 months of chemotherapy treatment.
Spring Retreat Day: A Day of Self-Care
Spring is a time for transformation and renewal. The beauty of nature is emerging all around us, but in our busy lives we don’t always take time to stop and smell the flowers. Give yourself the gift of self-care. This workshop will provide participants with a safe...
Camp Kerry Atlantic’s Spring Fling Fundraiser
Come and dance the night away at our 2nd Annual Camp Kerry Atlantic fundraiser! There will be door prizes, 50/50, snacks, a cash bar, DJ's from Hunter Sounds, live music and lots of dancing! We ‘ll be having fun and raising funds to support the only family bereavement...
Beyond One Voice Workshop: April 2019
This workshop is ideal for those coping with grief & loss and for those working/volunteering in helping professions.
Registration Open for Camp Kerry Ontario 2019
Since 2014, the Camp Kerry Society has been delivering the only family bereavement retreat program in Ontario. As a result, dozens of children, youth and adults have received help. If you or someone you know resides in Ontario or nearby regions and is struggling as a...
Registration Open For Camp Kerry 2019
In 2007, Dr. Heather Mohan's vision of creating a special space for families to connect, heal and find hope after losing a loved one finally became a reality when she developed Canada's very first family bereavement retreat program, "Camp Kerry". Since then, thousands...
Call for Nominations 2019
The Camp Kerry Society's Board of Directors is calling for nomination of candidates to stand for the Camp Kerry Society Board of Directors. Member engagement is critical to the success of the Society and the Board relies upon your recommendations for strong...
Registration Open for Camp Kerry Atlantic 2019
If you or someone you know resides in Atlantic Canada and is struggling as a result of a significant loss then you might wish to consider joining our compassionate community to gain a sense of connection, healing and hope. Please note that demand for this unique...
Beyond One Voice Workshop: March 2019
This workshop is ideal for those coping with grief & loss and for those working/volunteering in helping professions.
Douglas College Offers Mindfulness
We are pleased to announce that our Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Classes will continue for another season at Douglas College campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam, British Columbia. These courses assist people with anxiety, stress, depression and pain. Many...
G&F Financial Brings New Life
This past week a couple of our Camp Kerry staff took a moment to say thank-you to our friends at G&F Financial Group – a company that truly supports “life beyond banking”. G & F didn’t hesitate when they were approached to be our 2018 Camp Kerry...
Holiday Outreach A Success
On Christmas Eve, members from our community came together to offer comfort (clothing, food, a warm fire and peer support) to those who are grieving and in need on the downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia. Camp Kerry team member and recipient...
Holiday Outreach: Vancouver
On December 24th members of our community will be out to offer comfort to those in need on the downtown Eastside of Vancouver by offering their support, some clothing and some food. This tradition was started by Camp Kerry team member, Joshua Dahling, in...
Retreat Day for Bereaved Families in Atlantic Canada
Thanks to the generous support of our partners from the Saint John Community Foundation, the Camp Kerry Society is pleased to offer our very first Family Day Retreat for the Winter Holiday Season, which will be hosted by our good friends at Snider Mountain Ranch in...
Day Retreat For Bereaved Families
Are you looking for the opportunity to connect with other families who are coping with grief and loss? Are you looking for strategies to help you and your children to cope with your loss during the busy holiday season? Are you looking for a place where you can remember your loved one(s) in a community with others who understand?
Spin for Camp Kerry
On November 4th, twenty six riders got together at Cadence Cycling Studio to raise funds and awareness for the Camp Kerry Society…
National Bereavement Day 2018
As a non-profit organization whose primary mandate is the provision of grief and loss supports, we invite you to join us and our partners in bringing public attention to this day, as well as to the crisis that pertains to the lack of bereavement resources in this country…
Celebrating Success In Ontario
This is the fifth year that the Camp Kerry Society has been offering its signature bereavement program to families in Ontario. We could not do it without the devotion and talents provided by our incredible team of volunteers…
Beyond One Voice: November Workshop
Join us on November 17 for an engaging and inspiring afternoon in which we will explore the power of Music within the context of Grief & Loss.
Camp Kerry Ontario’s Fifth Year
This week marks my 8th Camp Kerry and the 5th year since we were able to bring the vision from British Columbia to Ontario. I think our first family bereavement retreat in Ontario had 5 families…this coming week we’ll be hosting 17! It’s been 5 years of incredibly hard work on behalf of amazing volunteers…
Beyond One Voice: October Workshop
This workshop is ideal for those coping with grief & loss and for those working/volunteering in helping professions. It will be facilitated by Accredited Music Therapists from the Camp Kerry Society.
Community Choir Registration Open for Fall Sessions
Registration is now open for Synergy! Whether you're an experienced choir member, or simply wanting to try something new, we'd love for you to join us. Currently we have sessions available on the North Shore and in New Westminster, British Columbia. For...
Atlantic Bereavement Retreat A Huge Success
Chances are that everybody already knows that the third Camp Kerry Atlantic family bereavement retreat was a HUGE success - word happens to travel fast in the Maritimes and we are proud of that... First and foremost, we want to thank our extraordinary...
Join Us for Our 5th Annual Golf Tournament
Whether you're a golf enthusiast, someone who wants to support a great cause, or simply someone who wants to make connections with other like minded people, the Annual Camp Kerry Golf Tournament Charity Fundraiser is rumoured to be one of the best around....
Beyond One Voice: Building Compassionate Community Through Dialogue & Song
VIP Community Celebration
Join us as we honour some people who have helped us improve the quality of Health Care across Canada through our award winning bereavement programs. Once again it's time... To gather our community To celebrate our 2017 Camp Kerry Society Award Winners To hear a live...
A Workshop On Grief & Loss
Presented by Registered Clinical Counselor and Accredited Music Therapist, Dr. Heather Mohan, along with Registered Art Therapist, Sophie Arkell, of the Camp Kerry Society. This workshop is designed for educators, counsellors, child & youth workers,...
Registration Opens Across Canada
Due to the solid fundraising efforts put forth by some our alumni, the generous contributions of our donors, and the gift of time offered by our outstanding team of volunteers, the Camp Kerry Society will be offering our award winning family bereavement...
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of members of the Camp Kerry Society (the “Society”) will be held at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, British Columbia on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 5:00 pm for the following...
2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K Charity Challenge
The Camp Kerry Society is proud to have Famoso on board as a Corporate Partner this year. In appreciation of all those helping us to make a difference for children and families coping with grief, Famoso will be awarding gift certificates and more to Team Camp Kerry...
Explore Your Creativity with the Camp Kerry Society
Festival of Loss and Healing
A Workshop On Grief & Loss
A workshop designed for educators, counsellors, child & youth workers, post-secondary students, and other professionals working with children experiencing grief and loss. Participants will gain an understanding of how grief differs for children and...
Camp Kerry Atlantic Gets A Kitchen Party
CBC host, Hance Colburne, from the Information Morning Show interviews Atlantic Program Director, Pam Pastirik, to help spread awareness about the Maritimes only family bereavement program, Camp Kerry Atlantic, and about the next big fundraiser for this...
Community Choir Registrations Open
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next season of our Compassionate Community Choirs. Click HERE for more information and to register.
James Bidgood Memorial Hockey Day 2018
The 3rd Annual Bidgood Memorial Hockey Day Tournament is happening on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Asphodel-Norwood Ontario arena, and rumour has it that this years event is going to be BIGGER and better than ever before! So, if you're in the area come...
Save The Date!
Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and get ready for one the best Charity Golf Tournament around! The 5th Annual Camp Kerry Golf Tournament is happening on September 10, 2018 at the Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. Registration...
8th Annual Homeless Outreach Vancouver Initiative
December 24, 2017 3 - 5 PM Oppenheimer Park, Vancouver, BC All are welcome to join us for the Camp Kerry Society's 8th Annual Homeless Outreach in Vancouver on Christmas Eve. We'll be giving out hugs, clothing, toys and food to hundreds of...
Synergy: A Christmas Choir Performance
All are welcome to attend a magical holiday performance by our Compassionate Community Choir, Synergy. Whether you're looking for a way to connect and meet others for support over the holiday season, or simply want to rejoice in some live music, we'd love...
National Bereavement Day: Starting A Dialogue
We extend our appreciation to the CBC for helping us to bring some awareness with regard to Canada's very first National Bereavement Day. A recording of Dr. Heather Mohan's interview with On the Coast's, Stephen Quinn, can be found simply by clicking on the button...
National Bereavement Day Canada
Tuesday, November 21, 2017 marks the very first National Bereavement Day in Canada. This is a day for all of us to reflect on the legacies of those who have died, and the connections and relationships that continue to shape our lives. As a non-profit...
Coping with End of Life Award
The Camp Kerry Society is proud to be the recipient of the 2018 Coping with End of Life Award, which recognizes our BC Family Bereavement Retreat Program,"Camp Kerry, for improving the quality of health care in British Columbia. Aside from the recognition,...
Painting for a Purpose: Camp Kerry Atlantic
Please join us for another Painting for a Purpose Event to raise funds for our next family bereavement retreat in August, 2018. In the past year our painting events have raised enough funds to send 2 families to our amazing retreat. Your support has meant...
One Reason To Give
We are proud to announce that on October 22 one of our very own special alumni, Jeanette S., from Ontario has taken the lead to organize the Camp Kerry team in the Toronto Charity Challenge and Marathon events. Here's her story and one reason why you should consider...
The Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
In 2007, the very first family bereavement retreat program in Canada – Camp Kerry - was launched off of the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. Since then, these retreats have grown significantly in size and are now offered in various locations across the country....
Behind Closed Doors Event
Camp Kerry Ontario is delighted to be part of this year's Behind Closed Doors event at Lansdowne Place Mall in Peterborough, Ontario! The event takes place on Saturday, September 9th from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Tickets are available NOW at Lansdowne Place's Customer...
Join Us for our 4th Annual Golf Tournament: September 18, 2017
Rumor has it that the Annual Camp Kerry Golf Tournament, which raises funds to help provide Grief & Loss Support to children, youth and adults from all over the province of British Columbia and beyond, is one of the best there is. What makes it so exciting?...
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction: Registration Open
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, which is currently being offered in New Westminster and Coquitlam, British Columbia. For more information and to register please click on the button...
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon & Charity Challenge
The Charity Challenge On October 22, 2017, Team Camp Kerry will be participating in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K events and we'd love for you to join us. As a team member, you can take on the Charity Challenge to help us...
Registration Now Open for Synergy
Join us as we engage the power of singing in community to stand against the isolating impact of Illness, Grief, Loss, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. All are welcome and no previous singing experience needed!
Registration Open for Camp Kerry Ontario
The magic continues when people just like you take a moment to give. BIG HUGS to all who have contributed both time and resources to Ontario's only family bereavement retreat program. It is because of your generosity that we have some wonderful news... Registration is...
Registration Now Open for Camp Kerry Atlantic
We are delighted to announce that registration is now open for Camp Kerry Atlantic - Atlantic Canada's only family bereavement retreat program! Space is limited so be sure to register early by clicking on the information button below.
Another Great Creation
We extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you who came out for another one of our "Painting for a Purpose" fundraisers for Camp Kerry Atlantic. It is because of the compassionate support of people like you that we're able to keep the torch lit and continue carrying a...
Notice of 2017 Annual General Meeting
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of members of the Camp Kerry Society ("the Society") will be held at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, British Columbia on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. for the following...
Soap Making Classes for a Cause
The Inspiration Soap Company, Kerry's Boutique & 100 Braid Street Studios are teaming up to offer a very special day of Soap Making Classes for a Cause on June 3, 2017. Proceeds from these classes will be used to help fund bereavement services for children, youth...
VIP Community Celebration
Once again it's time… To gather our community of supporters, alumni, participants, staff and volunteers To celebrate our 2016 Camp Kerry Society Award winners To hear a live performance by the Camp Kerry Community Choir To share good food, good conversation, good...
Reconciliation Circles
May 29, 2017 7:00 - 8:30 PM July 4, 2017 7:00 - 8:30 PM The Camp Kerry Society is pleased to announce the launch of our new Reconciliation Circles Program which is being offered in partnership with Douglas College’s Aboriginal Student Services. These circles provide a...
Brenan’s Funeral Homes & Crematorium Take Action to Support a Family
Karen Bremner (Managing Director) and Stephen MacMackin (President) of Brenan’s Funeral Homes & Crematorium go above and beyond by presenting Pam Pastirik, Director of Camp Kerry Atlantic, with a cheque for $3000.00! These funds will be used to send a family to...
Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K Charity Challenge
The Charity Challenge On June 25, 2017, Team Camp Kerry will be participating in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K and we'd love for you to join us. As a team member, you can take on the Charity Challenge to help us raise some serious cash - cash that...
Registration Now Open for Camp Kerry BC
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for Camp Kerry British Columbia - Canada's first family bereavement retreat program! Space is limited so be sure to register early by clicking on the information button below.
East Coast Celebration
Come on out for a fun-filled night featuring North Atlantic Drift, Clan Hannigan and Mcallum's Reach - all performing live at the Historic Red Dog in Downtown Peterborough, Ontario! Proceeds from this event will benefit bereaved children and families.
6th Annual Kirk Gaskell Memorial Cup
All are invited to attend the 6th Annual Gaskell Memorial Cup on Saturday March 25th, 2017 at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. This event is great for individuals and families with lots of fun and activities. Featuring NHL Hockey...
2nd Annual Bidgood Memorial Hockey Tournament: March 11, 2017
You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Bidgood Memorial Hockey Day Tournament on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Asphodel-Norwood Ontario arena! The full day of family fun begins at 7am Eastern Standard Time and will include; prizes, a bake sale, a licensed bar,...
Invitation to Our Spring Concert: Camp Kerry Community Choir
All are invited to join us for an evening of magic! Friday, March 24th, 2017 7:00 PM North Shore Unitarian Church (370 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, BC) The Camp Kerry Community Choir is comprised of people who have experienced significant loss and/or a life...
Volunteer Orientation for Kerry’s Boutique
Looking for something to do? Have a passion for helping others? Want to make a difference? If so, this opportunity might interest you. We are currently looking for hard-working volunteers to commit to a minimum of one 4 hour shift per month in our charity thrift...
Mindfulness
If you are coping with illness, pain, or stress then our Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program offered in partnership with Douglas College just might be the remedy you've been searching for. Learn to calm your mind and body and a whole lot more by participating...
Painting for a Purpose: March 21, 2017
Back by popular demand, we are pleased to announce that our 3rd Painting for a Purpose event will be occurring on March 21! Proceeds raised will be used to help support children, youth and families through the Camp Kerry Atlantic bereavement services. Artist and host,...
Convenient Grief & Loss Support
Due to popular demand, the Camp Kerry Society is pleased to announce new changes to our Circles of Strength Bereavement Support groups which are currently offered in North Vancouver (since 1998) and New Westminster, BC. Both groups are now being offered on weekends...
Community Stories of Truth & Reconciliation
We welcome you to this thoughtful and insightful community conversation on reconciliation and how community groups, volunteer boards, institutions and individuals can join in on the ongoing process. For further information about this event and the Witness Blanket we...
Join Us for Our Community Choir Concert
Workshop: Living with Transitions, Loss & Change
Century House is teaming up with the Camp Kerry Society on an afternoon of conversation on Living With Transitions, Loss and Change. Seniors who are experiencing feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety, fear, sadness, emptiness or loneliness are invited to attend a...
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course
Please note that late registrations for this course will be accepted no later than November 2, 2016. However, if you would like to attend our Mindfulness program in the future then please contact the Camp Kerry Society's Head Office to express your interest.
New Brunswick Children’s Foundation Helps Launch The Inaugural Camp Kerry Atlantic Programs
New Brunswick Children's Foundation Helps Launch The Inaugural Camp Kerry Atlantic Programs Today the New Brunswick Children's Foundation showed their support for bereaved children & youth in New Brunswick when representative, Peggy Brittain, presented Camp Kerry...
SUP Yoga Healing for Grief
SUP Yoga Healing For Grief Thanks to the generosity and kindness from Shannon of Ceiba Tree Yoga a group of teens from BC's Camp Kerry Youth Group had the opportunity to enjoy an exciting new experience during the final week of August. Shannon and her...
Congratulations to Our Amazing Charity Challenge Team!
Today was an exceptional one for Team Camp Kerry members who participated in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5KM events where personal goals were exceeded, old times conquered, and positive memories created. Cheers to all who came out and gave it their...
Youth Retreat Day A Success
Youth Day Retreat A Success Over the weekend youth from various regions located across the lower mainland of British Columbia (Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, New Westminster, Surrey, & West Vancouver) came together for a Camp Kerry Youth Day Retreat. For some, it was...