77 Children Come Together for Valerie’s House Summer Camp

Valerie’s House welcomed 77 children and teens for Camp Connection 2026, making it our largest summer camp yet.

Throughout the five-day camp in Fort Myers, children who are grieving the death of someone they love had the chance to connect with others who understand what they are going through. The week included grief activities, art, games, water day, tie-dye, special guests and plenty of laughter.

Campers explored grief through activities like “If My Grief Could Talk,” “My Grief Island” and the “Web of Connections.” These activities gave them space to share the heavy parts of grief, remember the people they love and realize they are not alone in what they are feeling.

The week was also filled with fun. The Fort Myers Fire Department transformed our backyard into a water park, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and taught campers about fire safety. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office stopped by with its ice cream truck, and licensed mental health counselor Monika Urbanska led a guided art therapy activity.

Many caregivers told us Camp Connection was the highlight of their child’s summer. Some shared that without Valerie’s House, their children may not have been able to attend camp at all.

Camp Connection was provided completely at no cost to every family. Like all programs at Valerie’s House, the camp was made possible through the generosity of our donors, volunteers and community partners.

Take a look through the photo gallery below to see the friendships, memories and special moments that made Camp Connection 2026 such an unforgettable week.

Because no child should grieve alone. 💙