2025 Hal Bruno Kids Camps
This special weekend-long camp gives grieving children a safe space to share with peers who have suffered a similar loss and a chance to just be “kids at camp,” and is open to children, stepchildren, or siblings whose firefighter parent or sibling has been honored, or is approved to be honored, at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
This camp is provided free of charge through the generous support of a grant from the Department of Justice.
Event Details
Save the Date—Hal Bruno Kids Camps in Virginia, June 27-29, 2025 .
This year’s theme at Hal Bruno Kids Camps is the anchor, a universal symbol for hope and strength. The anchor reminds us that even in the stormiest seas, there is a way to steady ourselves. At Hal Bruno Kids Camps, the love from our fallen heroes stays with us, serving as an anchor that connects us to their memory and to each other. The friendships we build at camp can also anchor us as we navigate this journey of grief. Let Hal Bruno Kids Camp be your anchor in 2025.
In life, certain people, like parents, siblings, loved ones, and friends, can serve as our anchors, offering stability, support, and security. But what happens when that anchor is taken from us? We may feel lost at sea, tossed by the endless waves of grief and emotions, with no sense of steadiness or safety.
Grief can feel like an anchor too—a weight that holds us down, making it hard to move forward. But just like a ship can find its way after lifting its anchor, Hal Bruno Camps for Children of Fallen Firefighters helps us learn that we are strong enough to lift the weight of grief when we are ready.
Camp HAL (Healing After Loss) (Ages 4 - 6)*
- Camp HAL will be held in Richmond Marriott Short Pump in Glen Allen, VA
- This camp program is led by a licensed therapist who specializes in working with young children who are grieving.
- With support from NFFF staff and volunteers, the camp program uses play therapy and expressive therapy to help children express themselves in their natural language.
- Camp HAL will include a mix of activities appropriate for this age group, as well as some activities for children and parents together.
- Children will stay with their parents overnight and during those times when they are not in camp sessions.
Hal Bruno Comfort Zone Camp (Ages 7 - 17)
- Partnering with Comfort Zone Camp (CZC) for children ages 7-17 (18 if still in high school), this year’s camp will be held at Westview on the James in Goochland, VA.
- The Comfort Zone Camp program empowers children and teens to grieve, heal and grow after the death of a parent.
- The program is designed and implemented by CZC staff and trained volunteers to help campers process their grief in a dynamic camp setting.
- A member of the NFFF staff will be on site for the duration of camp.
Parents/Guardians Session
- On Saturday at the hotel there will be facilitated sessions for all parents/guardians.
- The NFFF staff will provide dinner and a movie for Camp HAL campers on Saturday evening to allow all parents time to enjoy dinner out and spend time connecting with one another.
We hope that you and your children will join us for camp!
Camp will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until camp is full or until registration closes on May 26, 2025.
Accommodations & Travel
Families attending the 2025 Hal Bruno Camp are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Family Hotel. However, shuttle buses will be provided to the Westview on the James. Please arrive at the at Family Hotel on Friday, June 27th by 2:30 pm.
NFFF will reimburse families up to $350.00 in travel expenses for each camper and for one parent or guardian and two nights hotel stay after full participation in the camp weekend. Reimbursement forms will be provided after camp.
