What is SKY Camp?
The purpose of SKY Camp is to offer education and support to grieving children and their families after the death of a loved one. SKY Camp offers a safe place for campers to explore feelings and to share experiences with others
of similar ages, while providing a foundation for growth through the grieving process.
Words from the Heart
SKY Camp Objectives
SKY Camp’s goal is to facilitate the grief process following the death of a a loved one. The following objectives will help achieve this goal.
Differences Between Child & Adult Grief
Children in our society are the forgotten mourners. They grieve, but often they don’t get the opportunity to express their feelings openly.
Important Camp Information for Parents
Click the link below for a downloadable schedule and map with directions.
There is also a Google map for easy mobile use
here.
Friday July 19, 2024
Campers with medications: Register at Ceta Canyon Camp on Friday, July 19 at 4:00pm
Campers without medications: Register at Ceta Canyon Camp on Friday, July 19 at 4:30pm
Sunday July 21, 2024
Sunday July 19 at 10:00 am arrive at Ceta Canyon Camp for a brief family meeting in the Dining Hall
At 10:30 Sunday morning, after a brief family meeting, you will join your camper(s) in the Garrison Retreat Lodge Meeting Room.
This is a very special time for your camper, and we strongly encourage you to stay and support your child. We will leave camp around 11:30 a.m.
CAMPER
INFO
We can’t wait to see you at camp!
SKY Camp applications are due June 30, 2024. Fill it out online here.
Grief groups provide education, hands-on learning, and teach healthy coping skills.
Rituals allow campers to celebrate and remember their loved ones in a safe, supportive, environment.
… and there are many fun activities you can do with your new friends!
Activities promote team building and provide physical challenges in a safe, FUN atmosphere.
f.a.q.
You have questions. wE have answers.
We have tried to anticipate and answer most questions in the FAQ below. If you have other questions or need additional information please contact Allison Rankin at 806-341-1468.
SKY Camp is provided free of charge due to the generosity of community donors. Donations are always welcomed.
Parents or guardians are responsible for drop off and pick up at Ceta Canyon.
All volunteers go through training dealing with topics related to children’s grief, general camp guidelines, dealing with homesickness, positive reinforcement, boundaries. All volunteers have been interviewed, have yearly background checks, and have reference checks.
Although divorce is a huge loss, SKY Camp is specifically designed for loss through death.
SKY Camp is designed to be a one time experience; however, we will consider allowing a repeat if the camper has experienced another loss or is struggling at a later developmental stage.
We will have two camp nurses who will administer medications throughout camp. They are available 24/7. Please let us know if there are any food allergies so that we can let Ceta staff know.
Cell phones are not allowed while attending camp. There will be a land line with an answering machine in the SKY office as well as an emergency number for Ceta Canyon. The emergency number for Ceta Canyon is (806) 488-2268.
Volunteers are trained to support and comfort children who may become home sick. We will work with your child to give them the best possible SKY Camp experience.
Campers are divided into groups according to age and gender. Most groups consist of 6-8 campers, two adult Buddies, and their group counselor. This group will stay together throughout camp.
Campers are grouped according to age and gender and will sleep in bunk beds in a cabin with group mates and two adult Buddies (group leaders).
Campers arrive on Friday afternoon and leave Sunday morning.
VOLUNTEER
INFO
Do you enjoy working with children?
SKY Camp is driven by the passion of its volunteers. Many volunteers return year after year and travel hundreds of miles to be a part of SKY Camp.
Review the information below and if you have any questions please contact Allison Rankin at (806) 341-1468 if you have any questions.
You can fill out an application by filling out an application online.
SKY Camp volunteers receive special training and work with a team of counselors, social workers, nurses and other experienced volunteers.
Training dates are:
- April 27, 2024. 9:00am – 2:30pm
- July 9, 2024. 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Volunteers help by being Group Buddies, Group Counselors, Camp Nurses, Logistics, working Registration, and many more areas.
Volunteering is easy!
The first step is to fill out an application by clicking here.
If you have any questions, want more information, or want to schedule a visit contact Allison Rankin at (806) 341-1468 or by email at allison@skycamp.net.
Thank You!
Donate to SKY Camp
SKY Camp is a 100% free community service that is generously funded by both individuals and businesses who give of their time, supplies, and money.
DONATE SUPPLIES
SKY Camp always needs supplies such as:
- Bottled Water
- Snacks
- Nurse Supplies
- Camp Supplies
- Golf Cart Rentals
- and many other items
DONATE MONEY
Tax deductible
Used entirely to provide services for SKY Camp
SKY Camp is partnered with The Hope and Healing Place
The Hope & Healing Place was founded on the belief that every child, teen, and adult deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and understanding environment. We believe that grief is a natural and normal reaction to losing a loved one. Though the duration and intensity of grief are unique for each individual, we believe each person can heal.
Connect with SKY Camp
From I-27 take Wayside exit #94 and go east on FM 285 for 8 miles. Turn north onto FM 1721 and continue for 2 ½ miles straight into Ceta Canyon. Once you enter Ceta Canyon, follow the road to the top of the hill until you see the Garrison Retreat Lodge sign. Registration will be near the parking lot.
Emergency # (806) 488-2268 (please use ONLY for emergencies)
SKY Camp is held at Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center
37201 FM 1721
Happy, TX 79042
Questions? Call 806 341 1468
Email: allison@skycamp.net