Palliative Care
StarShine Hospice | Camp LionHeart

Camp LionHeart

A unique camp designed especially for families grieving the loss of a child.

The goal of Cincinnati Children’s StarShine Camp LionHeart is to provide a safe environment for families to meet other families who have also experienced child loss and to learn to thrive in a world without that special person.

  • Dates: June 18 – 20 (2 overnights)
  • Times: Registration is from 5-6 pm, Friday, and checkout will be immediately after breakfast on Sunday morning
  • Location: Camp Joy campgrounds, 10117 Old 3 C, Clarksville, OH 45113
  • Camp is funded by community support at no cost to families.
    Deposit required — refundable upon attendance.

Join other families for an enjoyable, relaxing weekend at Camp LionHeart. Some of the goals for the weekend include:

Family Unity

Provides families with an opportunity to create memories together in a fun setting.

Connection

Provides an opportunity for parents/children/individuals to learn and connect with other families who have lost a child.

Renewal

Opportunity to honor your child and to also incorporate your loss into a new family “normal”.

Fun

Provides wholesome outdoor recreation, creative arts, and adventure activities in a supportive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Camp is free. However, we do require a $50 per family “hold your spot” deposit. This is returned immediately upon check-in. Last minute cancellations take away needed spots for families on the waiting list.

Families stay together in cabins, which have modern, clean facilities. We will send a “what to pack” list, but bedding is provided. 

This camp is designed for the whole family. Activities are offered for all ages and there will be times when the group is divided by age in order to have focused time. In general, however, families will be together and parents/ caregivers are responsible for their children. There are other camps offered in the community for grieving children.

Meals and snacks are provided and special diets are accommodated as long as we are aware.

Every family who comes has also lost a child and there is incredible support from each other. There are times to talk about healthy ways to cope and times to remember the special person you lost. There are also lots of fun activities to enjoy together and challenge yourself. You know your family best. Feel free to contact the organizers at camplionheart@cchmc.org to talk about specific concerns.

There are lots of activities offered,  such as swimming, campfire, hiking, ropes courses, bouncy house, canoeing, fishing, family crafts, rock wall, family games and more. We try to offer times to choose your favorite and something for all ages and abilities.

Camp LionHeart.

Contact Us

To learn more about Camp LionHeart, contact us at camplionheart@cchmc.org.

Registration

Activities Include:

  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Zipline
  • Ropes courses
  • Swimming
  • Campfire
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Nature hikes
  • S’mores
  • Family crafts
  • Pool party
  • Movie night
  • & much more