Big Buddy

A Big Buddy is a trained, compassionate adult volunteer who provides 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