About Camp Healing Tree

Mission

CHT seeks to provide an annual weekend grief support opportunity free of charge to youth ages 7 to 17 in Central Indiana who have experienced the death of a loved one. CHT does not seek to provide therapy, but a safe environment conducive to the voluntary expression of feelings of grief by the youth.

CHT also seeks to engage adult volunteers who understand the importance of supporting grieving youth by investing their time, talent and compassion toward the campers and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Camp Healing Tree funded?
Camp Healing Tree is funded entirely by community donations. Each sponsoring hospice contributes $1,000 each year and supplies a Bereavement professional to aid in planning and implementing the camp.

Along with that support, CHT relies on grants and contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations to fund the camp each year. Many corporations and individuals donate goods and services to CHT instead of money. While campers are asked for a refundable deposit, this $25 fee is waived if it is a hardship. The deposit is returned on the opening night of camp, unless a family wishes to donate it toward next year's camp.
How many volunteers are there?
Volunteers are a vital component of CHT and each year more than 120 volunteers work during camp and behind the scenes to bring CHT to life. Every year, area hospice organizations are invited to sponsor CHT by contributing money and a Camp director to plan and implement the camp. Camp Healing Tree seeks to promote collaboration between area hospices serving the greater Indianapolis area.
How many campers are there?
CHT began as a one-night program with only 40 youth and has since grown to provide support to 70 young people for a weekend. CHT is held annually at Jameson Camp on the Southwest side of Indianapolis.
When was the camp started?
Camp Healing Tree (CHT) was founded in 1995 by several Indianapolis area hospices and was modeled after existing grief camps in Northern and Southern Indiana and across the country.
How can I get involved?
Camp Healing Tree needs the participation of more than 120 volunteers each year to make the camp a success. There are many types of volunteer roles. Please see the job descriptions that are available for volunteers.

Adult volunteers may sign up for any job, with the exception of facilitator, which requires prior group facilitation experience (preferably with children) and Director approval. If you are interested in this job and have not done it previously, please consult one of the Camp Directors. If you are 14 or older you can also help out at Camp by volunteering as a Runner, working in Arts and Crafts and helping with Face Painting.
To apply or register, head over to the Registration area.
How can I donate to your cause?
If you would like to donate money to Camp Healing Tree, click here to get the details.