Camp Waves of Hope is a residential camp experience held at Camp Hollis for Oswego County children ages 8-12 who have experienced a loss of a loved one. Camp Wavves of Hope is a place where children can acknowledge their loss of a loved one, develop coping skills, accept the stages of grief, develop an awareness that they are not alone, and celebrate their lives and the lives of those they have lost. Volunteer opportunities include serving as a “Big Buddy” for a camper, or helping in the kitchen with food preparation and clean up.  

Mini Buddies
New in 2023, Mini Buddies! These campers are ages 5-7 and attend a day camp on Sunday before our overnight camp begins. They will participate in age appropriate camp games and activities as well as healing circles that will help them navigate the emotions that accompany grief.

Big Buddy Program
Campers will be teamed up with a “Big Buddy” teen who will be with them throughout the program to help process their experience.

Staff and Employees
‍Certified nurses, social workers, teachers and camping professionals will lead the program, while adult personnel will be comfortable on the issues of death and dying, and will have received training on bereavement issues.