Valerie’s House Young Adult Carter’s Full-Circle Journey at Experience Camps

This summer, Valerie’s House young adult Carter Koehler marked a milestone in his grief journey: his fourth year at Experience Camps, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides free, transformative summer camp programs for grieving children and teens across the country.

Experience Camps creates safe, supportive spaces where grieving kids can connect, build resilience, and rediscover joy through camp activities and meaningful conversations. For Carter, who has been part of Valerie’s House for years, the program has been life-changing.

A Powerful Full-Circle Moment

Originally joining Experience Camps as a camper, Carter returned this year as a junior counselor at the Decatur, Michigan camp. In this new role, he guided and supported five boys ages 9 and 10 through their own grief journeys.

The week included a balance of fun camp activities—tubing, wakeboarding, archery, rock climbing, and even cooking—alongside dedicated grief-sharing circles. These moments gave campers the chance to talk openly about their feelings in a judgment-free environment.

“Like Valerie’s House, Experience Camps is a place where you can open up and talk about your grief without being judged,” Carter shared.

For Carter, stepping into the role of mentor was more than just a responsibility. It was a full-circle moment that reflected his own growth from grieving child to compassionate leader—a journey that inspires others who are walking the same path.

Finding Hope Through Connection

Carter credits Experience Camps, along with Valerie’s House and his family, as the three biggest sources of healing and strength in his life. He says many of his closest friendships have come from camp, bonds that remind him he is not alone in his grief.

Now, as a young adult, Carter is committed to giving back by being the kind of role model he once needed. His story is a testament to the hope and connection that can grow out of grief.

At Valerie’s House, we are so proud of Carter and honored to walk alongside him in this journey. His leadership at Experience Camps shows grieving kids everywhere that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams.

About Experience Camps

Experience Camps is a nonprofit that transforms the lives of grieving children through free, one-week summer camp programs and year-round initiatives. Camps are located across the United States, including in Georgia, California, Maine, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Through play, connection, and grief-sharing activities, the program helps kids reimagine what’s possible in their lives after loss.

Learn more about Experience Camps at experiencecamps.org.