ABOUT
CAMP KITA
OUR HISTORY.
As seen on NBC Nightly News, Camp Kita is a week-long summer bereavement camp open to children ages 8-17 who are survivors of a loved one’s suicide. Held in an idyllic traditional camp setting in Central Maine, the camp provides all of the quintessential experiences of a rural summer camp. In addition, the camp provides clinical professionals who lead small peer support sessions and offer 24/7 trauma support. The camp is tuition free for all campers.
Camp Kita is the only program of a small non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of bereaved youth and founded by sibling survivors of suicide loss. The camp was founded in 2013 by the Mosher siblings many years after the loss of their father to suicide. The camp will be celebrating its 9th season in 2022.
Our 10th year is sure to be an exciting one as we plan for our first season on our own property. Please visit campkita.org/loon-pond for more details.
OUR MISSION.
We cultivate a restorative community by honoring the lived experiences of those impacted by suicide.
TO NORMALIZE,
DE-STIGMATIZE AND REMOVE PERCEIVED RESPONSIBILITY
Learn about trauma in general, and specifically suicide trauma
Learn about the complexities of mental illness and depression
Learn about common reactions to grief and trauma
Meet peers and adults with shared experiences
LEARN HEALTHY COPING MECHANISMS
Practicing ways to relax
Identifying and managing strong emotions
Challenging and changing unhelpful thoughts
Exposure to the new experiences and activities
INCREASED CONFIDENCE, DECREASED ISOLATION
Forming new identities, relationships and goals
Discovering new skills and activities
Removing technology to build connections
Experience time with nature
Learning about resilience and inspiring one-another
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES AND EDUCATION
Restorative balance for gentle exposure to grief
Builds confidence by learning new things
Encourages social engagement and restorative relationships with nature
Develops passion and purpose
Skill building of intentional grief engagement
OUR
VISION.
We are stewards of a restorative community for healing and learning. We honor the lived experiences of those impacted by suicide and suicide risk. Hope and joy are fostered through shared experiences, engagement, and mutual support with the goal of generational transformation.
PARTNERS.
We can't do it without the support and encouragement of the following organizations. If you are interested in a large sponsorship of Camp Kita, please contact us.
WHAT CAMPERS ARE SAYING
I felt so at peace because normally you aren’t surrounded by so many people that know exactly how you feel. Rarely do you run into people who have been through the same loss. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to go to camp and I can't wait for next year!