Photo courtesy of Michigan State Police

NEGAUNEE — The Michigan State Police Negaunee Post is promoting and supporting Camp STAR, a free, weekend-long grief camp that provides a safe, supportive, and healing environment for children and teens ages 8 to 17 who have experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, friend or loved one.

Camp STAR 2025 will take place Aug. 8 – 10 and is hosted by STAR Children’s Bereavement Services. The camp offers a unique blend of traditional outdoor fun and meaningful grief education, helping young people process loss in healthy and constructive ways. Spots are still available for those interested in attending. The camp is primarily organized by MSP Negaunee Post Secretary Ashley Hernandez, who took over Camp STAR leadership in early 2022, shortly after her own personal experience with grief in 2021.

“Managing and volunteering at Camp STAR was a huge step in my own healing process by being able to educate myself on grief and help others when they need it the most, especially children,” said Hernandez. “I have loved every minute of it and foresee many years of grief service in my future.”  

Outside of work at the MSP, Hernandez facilitates all programs for STAR Children’s Bereavement Services, with help from board members, interns, and volunteers. Other members of the MSP also volunteer at the camp as possible, providing support and mentorship throughout the weekend.

What to Expect at Camp STAR

Camp STAR offers a supportive weekend for children ages 8-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, friend, or loved one. The weekend long camp combines traditional, fun, camp activities with grief education and emotional support.

Camp STAR takes place at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay in northern Marquette County. It is a two-night overnight camp running from Friday to Sunday. Campers stay on-site and enjoy delicious family-style meals provided by Bay Cliff. All camp activities are facilitated by caring, trained professionals, and volunteers. Each camper is assigned a Camp Buddy, who is a specially trained mentor that provides one-on-one companionship throughout the weekend. Camp Buddies are young adults ages 18 to 25.

Through the activities and buddy relationship, the children learn skills to share and remember the person that was lost.

Camp STAR offers a supportive space where children experience feeling accepted and not alone, having fun without guilt, and exploring emotions while growing and learning healthy coping skills. Camp STAR is completely free for all participants. Everything is 100% free for campers to attend. Campers only need to bring personal essential items. Bedding, snacks, meals, and more are all provided.

Who Can Attend

Children and teens ages 8-17 from across the entire state of Michigan and surrounding areas are welcome to attend. While the original registration deadline was Thursday, Camp STAR has extended the deadline to Sunday for camper applications. For more information about Camp STAR 2025 or to register a child, please visit https://starcbs.org/summer-camp/ .

For more information or if people have questions, they can reach out to Camp STAR by emailing upcampstar@gmail.com or call/text 906-250-2489.