Big Buddy

Overview:

A Big Buddy is a trained, compassionate adult team member who is 18+ years old and provides group-based emotional support to children (ages 7-17) attending Camp Good Mourning!, a free, overnight bereavement camp for Long Island children who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. Big Buddies serve as positive role models and safe, empathetic companions during a child’s grief journey throughout the weekend.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide Consistent Support:

  Build a trusting and supportive relationship with an assigned group of campers throughout the weekend, offering comfort, companionship, and presence.

• Model Healthy Grief Expression:

  Create a safe space for campers to share their thoughts and feelings, while modeling healthy emotional expression, active listening, and non-judgmental support.

• Participate Fully:

  Actively engage in all camp programming-including grief activities, group sharing circles, team-building events, arts & crafts, and recreational activities-with enthusiasm and sensitivity.

• Ensure Camper Wellbeing:

  Monitor and attend to the physical and emotional safety of assigned campers, reporting any concerns to the Support Group Leader.

• Collaborate with Team:

  Work closely with fellow Big Buddies, Support Group Leaders, Health Team and Camp Staff, and Logistics Team to ensure each camper feels seen, supported, and included.

• Respect Boundaries:

  Maintain healthy emotional and physical boundaries with campers, families, and fellow volunteers. Adhere to Camp Good Mourning!’s Code of Conduct, policies, and procedures at all times.

• Maintain Confidentiality:

  Respect the privacy and stories of all campers and volunteers by keeping shared experiences confidential.

• Participate in Training:

  Attend required pre-camp training to learn grief-informed care practices, safety protocols, and camp logistics.

Ideal Qualities:

• Empathetic, patient, and emotionally mature
• Comfortable discussing grief and loss in age-appropriate ways
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable, punctual, and fully present
• Committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all campers

Complete Online Application here.

TRAINING DATES:

September 20th at the SYJCC in Commack 830a - 5p

September 21st at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island 830a - 5p

BOTH DATES ARE MANDATORY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

CAMP DATES:

Friday October 24th - Sunday October 26th at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island

ALL THREE DATES ARE MANDATORY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Private Group Details:

• Group Size Range: 1 - 50+
• Event can be held at organization location(s)
• No Donation