Camp Keaton

Through outdoor play and activities, Camp Keaton empowers and supports grieving children and teenagers.

CAMP KEATON 2025 - June 6th-8th 2025

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What is Camp Keaton?

Camp Keaton is a free bereavement camp designed for children and youth aged 7–17 who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Campers are grouped by age in their cabins and for activities which enables them to meet others who have had a similar experience. It is a weekend-long experience, filled with traditional camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.

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Read below on the various roles you can apply for in Camp Keaton.

Become a Camper

Only completed forms will be considered. You must attend a family interview to ensure "camper readiness." From here, acceptance into the Camp Keaton Program is on a first-come, first-served basis, if interview requirements are met. You must also attend the mandatory “Meet & Greet”. An evening event, giving all campers, families, and volunteers the opportunity to meet each other and receive additional important information about Camp Keaton.

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Counsellor in Training (CIT)

Counsellor in Training (CIT) must be youth in grades 9-12 and be in good physical condition. They must attend all required volunteer trainings and relevant meetings. Please note that we will be accepting four applicants. You will be contacted for an interview following your submission if application requirements are met. As a Counsellor in Training, you will shadow a Cabin Big Buddy volunteer and are part of the Camp Keaton Hamilton family. These volunteer Community Service hours can be applied to meet your high school volunteer requirements. You will be a major part of the camp experience for the campers and therefore we ask that everyone conducts themselves accordingly. Applications for Camp Keaton 2025 Counsellor in Training are now CLOSED. Any applications that come in after March 11th 2025 will be considered for Camp Keaton 2026.

Cabin Big Buddies (CBB)

Volunteers are responsible for the campers assigned to their cabin the entire weekend, with some cabins having as many as 2 or 3 CBB’s. Each Cabin Big Buddy must participate in mandatory pre-camp training to develop skills and prepare for working with the children, hearing camper stories, and maintaining personal boundaries. Cabin Big Buddies and campers eat all meals together and share a sleeping cabin. It is the responsibility of the CBB’s to know where the campers are at all times and to accompany them to each activity. Cabin Big Buddies are there to offer support and companionship over the weekend for the campers.

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Grief Activity Facilitators (GAF)

Volunteers help facilitate various grief activities and support the campers through specially designed activities that encourage them to express their feelings. Each GAF must participate in mandatory pre-camp training to develop skills and prepare for working with the children, hearing camper stories, and maintaining personal boundaries. GAF’s also serve as support to Cabin Big Buddies, helping with any issues that may arise during the weekend. Bereavement experience is an asset. The Camp Keaton 2025 Grief Activity Facilitator applications are now CLOSED. If you still wish to volunteer at Camp Keaton with us this year, please check out the Cabin Big Buddy application

Camp Keaton Donors

Donors play a vital role in supporting the Kemp Care Network's ability to offer programs like Camp Keaton to children and families, providing hope and healing in times of grief.

Become a Camp Keaton Donor

Keaton's Story

Camp Keaton is named after Keaton Millar, a local young boy who inspired others through his fight against a serious illness. Keaton was an energetic and spunky 4-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2007, which he courageously battled for three years. On December 4, 2010, at seven years old, Keaton lost his battle – leaving behind his family, many young friends and his 3-year-old sister, Ella. Keaton was known for his laughter and zest for life, embracing every opportunity to savour the moment.

Common Questions

June 6th-8th 2025

Camp Keaton is open to individuals aged 7 to 17 who have experienced the death of a someone important to them. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camp Keaton is free for all campers thanks to grants, sponsors, fundraising efforts‌ and support from the community.

Camp Keaton offers a variety of activities, including music, swimming, nature walks, canoeing, sharing, rock climbing, arts & crafts, storytelling and luminaries.

Camp Keaton is coordinated and staffed by a highly experienced team, along with bereavement professionals and trained volunteers. Camp Wenonah's staff also provide support and leadership during the camp weekend.

The Camp Keaton Meet & Greet event in May allows campers, families and volunteers to meet each other and receive important information. Attendance is strongly encouraged to build connections and community.

Campers, staff‌ and volunteers will be transported to and from Camp Wenonah by bus.

Need More Information?

Please submit your inquiry via the contact form, and we will get in touch with you.

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What is Camp Keaton?

Register Here

Become a Camper

Counsellor in Training (CIT)

Cabin Big Buddies (CBB)

Grief Activity Facilitators (GAF)

Camp Keaton Donors

Keaton's Story

Common Questions

When will Camp Keaton take place?

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How much does Camp Keaton cost?

What activities are provided for the children and teenagers at Camp Keaton?

Who runs Camp Keaton?

What is the "Meet & Greet" event, and do we need to attend?

How will my camper be transported to and from Camp Keaton?

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