What is Camp Waves of Hope?

Losing a loved one is never easy. That’s why the work that Friends of Hospice in Oswego County does is so important. Friends of Hospice in Oswego County offers a summer program called, Camp Waves of Hope at Camp Hollis on Lake Ontario. See what this program is all about.

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE FUNDED PROGRAM

Camp Waves of Hope

(Overnight Camp* - Sunday, August 17th, 2025 - Wednesday, August 20th, 2025)
Mini Buddies - Ages 5-7:  Sunday, August 17th - Day Camp
Little Buddies - Ages 8-12:  Monday, August 18th to Wednesday, August 20th - Overnight
Big Buddies - Ages 13-18:  Sunday, August 17th to Wednesday, August 20th - Overnight

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 Waves 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.

About Camp Hollis

Located on the Southern shore of Lake Ontario, Camp Hollis is only ten minutes from the city of Oswego and has been owned and operated by the county of Oswego since 1946. Since then, it has offered a summer residential camping program for Oswego County youth. The camp offers sleeping cabins with indoor plumbing and electricity.

There is a full medical station, swimming pool and campfire circle. Nutritious, well-balanced meals will be prepared on site, and served in a spacious dining hall.

Have a child experiencing grief? Follow this resource for additional help.

Camp Waves of Hope Presents

Movie Night! Join us for a movie and a healing activity for children who have experienced loss. Lunch and snack will be provided. All events will be held from 11:00am - 2:30pm on show dates listed below.

Register by call or text: 315-216-7580
*at least 3 days before the event
you'd like to attend

SHOW DATES:
Saturday, February 8th at
Camp Hollis - Ages 12-18

Saturday, March 1st
at Catholic Charities - Ages 5-18

Sunday, April 27th
at The Kallet Theater - Ages 5-18