Camp Sheilah

09/25/2026

Kids Above All's 2026 Camp Sheilah weekend recently wrapped up, and we couldn't be more proud of our children, youth, and team for the strong community they built together!

We were honored to have had so many kind individuals join as camp volunteers. We had Explorers by our youth's side, Scouts and Journey Helpers assisting in activities, and KAA staff ensuring clinical support was intertwined throughout the weekend.

Each day focused on different activities to help our youth process their grief. There was arts and crafts, rope climbing, sports, healing circles, and more, and each one acted as a healthy outlet for our children and youth to express their emotions.

Thank you so much to everyone who stepped up for our youth and helped make this our best camp yet. To our families, we hope this weekend was a positive experience and a space of healing, reflection, and growth.

09/24/2026

Kids Above All’s Camp Sheilah program provides trauma-informed mental health support and community to children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, guardian, or sibling to homicide. Through a three-day bereavement camp, campers participate in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and more that aim to help them connect with the other campers and move forward on their healing journeys.

To learn more about the camp, visit www.kidsaboveall.org/camp-sheilah.

09/18/2026

Kids Above All's Camp Sheilah team and families wrapped up the summer by spending time together at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Shimmering Summer event!

Our families were able to explore the gardens, view different animals, and enjoy beautiful art, all while taking the time to relax. reflect, and bond with one another.

We hope everyone had a great time and made some wonderful memories!

09/03/2026

Kids Above All’s Camp Sheilah program provides trauma-informed mental health support and community to children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, guardian, or sibling to homicide. Through a three-day bereavement camp, campers participate in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and more that aim to help them connect with the other campers and move forward on their healing journeys.

Each year, Kids Above All needs 80-100 volunteers to help our team ensure everyone at camp has a great experience. Right now, our team still needs Journey Helpers! If you’re interested in volunteering and making a positive impact, visit www.kidsaboveall.org/camp-sheilah to register.

08/31/2026

Kids Above All’s Camp Sheilah program provides trauma-informed mental health support and community to children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, guardian, or sibling to homicide. Through a three-day bereavement camp, campers participate in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and more that aim to help them connect with the other campers and move forward on their healing journeys.

Each year, Kids Above All recognizes an outstanding program participant as its Youth of the Year at the agency's annual fundraiser. In 2025, the Youth of the Year Award was given to Camarion "Mari" Cooper, a client in Kids Above All's Camp Sheilah program.

We invite you to watch his story of resilience and hope.

Each year, Kids Above All recognizes an outstanding program partici...

08/28/2026

Kids Above All’s Camp Sheilah program provides trauma-informed mental health support and community to children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, guardian, or sibling to homicide. Through a three-day bereavement camp, campers participate in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and more that aim to help them connect with the other campers and move forward on their healing journeys.

Each year, Kids Above All needs 80-100 volunteers to help our team ensure everyone at camp has a great experience. Right now, our team still needs Journey Helpers! If you’re interested in volunteering and making a positive impact, visit www.kidsaboveall.org/camp-sheilah to register.

08/13/2026

Kids Above All’s Camp Sheilah program provides trauma-informed mental health support and community to children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, guardian, or sibling to homicide. Through a three-day bereavement camp, campers participate in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and more that aim to help them connect with the other campers and move forward on their healing journeys.

Each year, Kids Above All needs 80-100 volunteers to help our team ensure everyone at camp has a great experience. This year’s camp weekend is only a month away, and our team is still in need of volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering and making a positive impact, visit www.kidsaboveall.org/camp-sheilah to learn about our different volunteer roles and to register.

08/05/2026

Kids Above All's Trauma-Informed Counseling programs aim to ensure our youth have the support, tools, and resources they need to continue their healing journey, achieve their goals, and become independent adults who lead meaningful, productive lives.

Our Camp Sheilah Program is a year-round, trauma-informed mental health support program for youth ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, legal guardian, or sibling to homicide. The program features a three-day bereavement camp, monthly group activities, and ongoing counseling.

To learn more about the program, or to sign up as a camper or volunteer, visit www.kidsaboveall.org/camp-sheilah.

08/01/2026

August is National Grief Awareness Month, a time that highlights open conversations about loss and the need to reduce the stigma surrounding grief.

At Kids Above All, grief is not an unfamiliar topic, and our team ensures that they're adequately equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support our children and families need to heal.

At this time, our Camp Sheilah program is in the final stages of preparation for its annual camp weekend.

Camp Sheilah is a year-round, trauma-informed mental health support program for youth ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, legal guardian, or sibling to homicide. The program features a three-day bereavement camp where children, their guardians, and Kids Above All staff come together to share their stories, participate in group activities, and process their grief.

If you or a loved one need further support on your healing journeys, learn more about Camp Sheilah and our counseling programs at www.kidsaboveall.org/what-we-do/counseling.

To new and returning Camp Sheilah campers and volunteers, our team is looking forward to seeing everyone at Camp next month! If you need any assistance from now until then, please don't hesitate to reach out.