More than 70 children gathered in central New Jersey in June for the 2023 Hal Bruno Camp for Children of Fallen Firefighters. The campers share a common bond – they are children or siblings of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Camp HAL is for children 4-6 years old, and Comfort Zone Camp is for youth ages 7-17. In addition to the campers’ activities, there are formal and informal sessions for parents and guardians.
Camp is a safe place where everyone understands, and you can be free.
Hal Bruno Comfort Zone Camp: Camp Mason in Hardwick, NJ
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and its partner Camp Comfort Zone designed a comprehensive program to foster emotional healing, encourage self-expression, and promote camaraderie among the camp’s children. As one parent stated, “Camp allows the children to explore and express their grief, and the parents are also able to explore and express their grief.” Campers found solace with other children who have shared a similar journey through storytelling, group sessions, and creative art projects.
The camp fostered a supportive environment where children could interact with their Big Buddies—volunteers who are carefully trained to support children during camp. Campers had the opportunity to share stories and participate in fishing and other outdoor activities. Group sessions with trained counselors provided a place for children to discuss their feelings and find comfort in their shared experiences.
It felt so good being in the same atmosphere with other families who know what it feels like to lose someone so close and have to restructure your life.
We are very thankful to the Big Buddies and the City of Summit (NJ) Fire Department members for going above and beyond with their support of our campers. Their presence served as a reminder to the campers that they remain an integral part of a larger firefighter family.
Camp HAL: Parsippany, NJ
From decorating shoes to creating picture frames, the youngest campers found joy in expressing their emotions through art. Campers and their guardians engaged in therapeutic activities to develop new coping skills and to reduce grief reactions and responses. “Camp is a safe place where everyone understands, and you can be free,” said one parent. The group sessions helped cultivate a sense of belonging, as the children realized they were not alone in their grief.
In addition, the City of Summit Fire Department provided personnel, fire trucks, and kids’ activities for the campers.
The camp fostered a supportive environment where children could interact with their Big Buddies—volunteers who are carefully trained to support children during camp. Campers had the opportunity to share stories and participate in fishing and other outdoor activities. Group sessions with trained counselors provided a place for children to discuss their feelings and find comfort in their shared experiences.
NFFF's dedication to the youngest family members of fallen firefighters is instrumental in increasing access to healthy grief coping skills. Peer support has been shown in research to counter isolation experienced by bereaved youth, reduce stress when geared towards children’s developmental needs.
Camp allows the children to explore and express their grief, and the parents are also able to explore and express their grief. The parents are also able to spend quality time focusing on what they need to be a better parent.
Hal Bruno Kids Camp honors the memory of the former chairman of NFFF, who was dedicated to helping survivors heal and rebuild their lives. The camp is open to children, stepchildren, and siblings who’ve experienced the tragic death of a firefighter parent, sibling or legal guardian who has been honored or is approved to be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD.
