FAQ.

Please check our frequently ask question page for answers about applying, attending or supporting Camp Kita. Please keep in mind we are a very small staff but we will do our very best to respond quickly to any questions sent to info@campkita.com

GENERAL

Question: What is Camp Kita?

Answer: Camp Kita is a non-profit (501©3) summer bereavement camp open to children ages 8-17 who are survivors of a loved one’s suicide. The camp was established in 2013 by the Mosher siblings. The camp is made possible by donations and volunteers, including medical and clinical professionals.

Question: How much does Camp Kita cost?

Answer: Camp Kita tuition is free-of-charge to children who have successfully completed the application process (e.g., meals, activities, camp tuition). Camp tuition is made possible by donations. To register for camp, we require a $50 deposit, which is fully refunded when the child arrives to camp.

Question: Is there more than one Camp Kita session offered per summer?

Answer: No. There is only one session offered per summer.

Question: Is Camp Kita offered the same week every year?

Answer: No. Camp Kita partners with a camp facility to coordinate camp dates year-after-year based on the facility’s availability.

Question: When are Camp Kita dates typically announced?

Answer: Dates are typically announced in March. Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

APPLYING TO CAMP KITA

Question: I’ve submitted most of my application on Camp Doc, when will my application be reviewed?

Answer: Once your application is 100% completed, we will begin the review process.

Question: What age children can attend Camp Kita?

Answer: Children ages 8 through 17 are welcome to apply to attend camp. The Camp Kita program is targeted to children ages 8 through 17. Children receive peer support within their age-group as well as 24/7 trauma support targeted for children from ages 8 to 17.

Question: Can I submit a paper application to Camp Kita?

Answer: No. We utilize an automated system, Camp Doc—all applications must be submitted through this system. The Camp Doc registration link can be access through the Camp Kita website home page when registration is open.

Question: I have more than one child that would benefit from the Camp Kita

experience, can I submit an application for all of my children?

Answer: Yes, however, each child is reviewed on a case-by-case basis for admission. Please ensure that you have completed an application for each child.

Question: The ‘loved one’ my child lost to suicide is not actually a family

member, can I still submit an application for my child to attend?

Answer: Camp Kita is targeted toward children who are survivors of a loved one’s—or family member’s suicide—however, each child’s experience is different. In this situation, it is best to speak with a Camp Kita member first to ensure this is the appropriate environment for your child. Please contact Camp Kita for further information.

Question: Is transportation also covered as part of my child’s camp tuition,

once accepted?

Answer: Generally, no. However, we have helped organize the transportation of larger groups. Parents/Guardians should plan on making arrangements for transportation to/from Camp Kita.

Question: How does the application process work?

Answer: After submitting a 100% complete application and your refundable deposit through CampDocs, your campers application will then be reviewed by our Admissions Coordinator. The Admissions Coordinator will likely communicate with you further via phone or email to discuss your campers readiness for camp. After that process, your camper will be notified whether they have been accepted to camp.

BEING AT CAMP KITA

Question: What can my camper bring to camp?

Answer: Once your child has been accepted into Camp Kita, you will receive a 'Camper and guardian handbook' —you can review the ‘Preparing for Camp’ section for a complete list on suggested items to pack.

Question: Can my child bring a cell phone, laptop or electronics?

Answer: No. Camp Kita has a strict ‘no technology’ policy—it helps campers fully immerse with their peers and embrace the program. We ask that campers leave their electronics at home, as they can interfere with the camp experience and their ability to fully connect with fellow campers.

Question: Can I visit Camp Kita while my child is there?

Answer: No. Parents or guardians of campers cannot visit camp— being an independent camper helps campers fully immerse with their peers and embrace the program.

Question: Can I volunteer at Camp Kita while my child is there?

Answer: No. Parents or guardians of campers cannot volunteer at camp—being an independent camper helps each campers fully immerse with their peers and embrace the program.

Question: Can my child call home while he/she is at Camp Kita?

Answer: No—being an independent campers fully immerse with their peers and embrace the program.

Question: I’m worried my child will be homesick—what does Camp Kita do in the event of homesickness?

Answer: It is very common for children to miss home when they are away. Our counseling staff is very experienced and well trained to help campers through times of homesickness. If your child misses home continuously, we will be in contact with you to discuss the situation.

Question: Can I send an email to my child while he/she is at Camp Kita?

Answer: Yes. Parents/guardians can email messages to campers throughout the week, but campers would not be able to respond back unless prior arrangements have been made. The email address will be provided in the camper/guardian handbook.

Question: I have more than one child attending Camp Kita—can you guarantee them to be in the same cabin?

Answer: Siblings can see each other for meal times, elective activities that they choose, however, there is no guarantee they would be placed together for the entirety of camp or for sleeping cabins.

Question: How many campers are in a cabin and is there a counselor there at all times?

Answer: There are about 12 campers per cabin. There are 2 counselors assigned to each cabin—the counselors sleep in the cabins at night.

Question: Is there air conditioning in the cabins?

Answer: No, there is not.

Question: Are there bathrooms in the cabin?

Answer: Yes, there is a toilet and sink in each sleeping cabin. A bathhouse is located close to the cabins in a separate building.

LEAVING CAMP KITA

Question: What can my camper bring to camp?

Answer: Once your child has been accepted into Camp Kita, you will receive a 'Camper and guardian handbook' about a month before camp—you can review the ‘Preparing for Camp’ section for a complete list on suggested items to pack.