Supporting Grieving Children
Our Journey
The intention is that this camp provides tools to allow them to build a foundation that is needed to aid the healing process.
Although the camp started with smaller numbers, a new era came as 65 to 75 children attended in the fall of 2010. The camp is open to any child who has suffered a loss due to death between the ages of 5 to 18. The camp is free of charge.
Take some time to look at the pictures that have been provided of what wonderful healing is taking place.
Thanks for visiting the website. I hope you find joy and happiness in your life and most of all, may you find peace at the close of each day.
Take Care!
Doug Gibb, MS.ED., GC-C., GCCA-C., LFD
Camp Director
Meet Our Team
Dedicated and compassionate professionals lead Children's Grief Camp, ensuring a caring and supportive environment for every child.
Doug Gibb
MS.ED., GC-C., GCCA-C., LFD
Doug is the co-founder and director of the Children’s Grief Camp. An educator for twenty-five years, Doug has taught at the elementary level to college level teaching all subjects and is a former 0-3 child assessment evaluator. A School Assistant Vice-Principal, Vocational Director and Counselor, Doug works with children of all ages and adults as well. Also, he conducts support groups in different counties and is a guest lecturer around the state. Doug is certified as a Grief Counselor and Child and Adolescent Counselor. Doug is the Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice Compassus. Doug resides in Galesburg, Illinois with his wife and children.
Amy Massey
MSW., LCSW
Amy has been with the camp for a number of years as a therapist with the younger children. Amy is a Licensed Social worker for Hospice Compassus which serves nine counties. Amy has been a substance abuse therapist, mental health therapist and has worked in the child welfare field. Amy resides in Galesburg, Illinois with her husband and child.
Karen Johnson-Wenger
MSW., LCSW
A registered play therapist, Karen is a Licensed Social worker for Hospice Compassus. Karen serves as a therapist with the older children at the camp. Karen has worked as a mental health therapist, child welfare therapist and has done assessment and treatment of sexually aggressive youth and victims of sexual abuse. Karen has been with the Children’s Grief Camp for many years as well. Karen resides in Knoxville, Illinois with her husband and children.
Our camp has positively impacted many children, providing essential support during their grieving process.
