Helping Children Navigate Grief
The way children respond to death is different from adults. They may go from crying to playing, get angry, anxious or even regress. This is all normal. And, while you may not be able to protect a child from the pain of a loss, there are ways to help them build healthy coping skills.
Camp Chrysalis is a bereavement-focused camp that offers fun, outdoor activities and therapeutic sessions for the children of Indian River County ages 5-13 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Trained counselors and staff engage with the children through fun and supportive activities that are designed to help them work through their grief and understand the emotions that are a normal part of the grieving process. Camp Chrysalis includes:
- Recreational activities
- Therapeutic exercises
- Mediation
- Aromatherapy
- Music therapy
VNA’s Camp Chrysalis is currently the only camp in our community focused on children and helping them navigate their unique and personal bereavement needs. Camp Chrysalis is made possible by the Otis G. Pike Charitable Trust and Quail Valley Charities.
For more information on grief support for children, visit here.
To make a donation to support VNA’s bereavement programs, visit here.
Family Camp Chrysalis Preregistration*
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach
*Please note, there are two steps to the registration process:
Step one – Complete the online preregistration form below. Step two – Download and complete the Camp Chrysalis application (just below the preregistration form) and return to our Bereavement Department by dropping of at our main office or by email to CMassey@vnatc.com