Camp New Dawn

Camp New Dawn is a three-day, two-night grief retreat for children, teens and families who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Campers learn healthy coping skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. They engage in group discussions and activities with other kids who have experienced loss, and interact with professional grief counselors who help them learn about and express grief in a safe, natural environment.

Email Contact: Rhonda Knotts rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org

FAMILY CAMP

The family portion of Camp New Dawn provides the adults 24 hours of respite before their children join them.  This is also an opportunity for them to explore where they are in their grief.  While the children do great work at camp it is important for them to work on grief together as a family. On day two the whole family will come together for activities to help with communication and the grieving process. Our hope is they would have some great tools to take back home to continue to process their grief and heal as a family.

Email Contact: Sherrie Young syoung1@compassregionalhospice.org

Director Rhonda Knotts talks about the importance of healing after the tragic loss of a loved one and helped define Compass's mission to provide a wide array of bereavement services through Camp New Dawn. For almost three decades, Compass’s Camp New Dawn has hosted this unique retreat for children, teens, and families as part of Compass’ mission to provide grief support in a healthy environment staffed by dozens of volunteers, many of whom have attended the session as campers.

The Spy visited Camp New Dawn on camper arrival day and talked with Director Rhonda Knotts about the importance of healing after the tragic loss of a loved one and helped define Compass's mission to provide a wide array of bereavement services. 

What is the cost?

No child is turned away because of inability to pay.

Individual Cost: $75 per camper
Family Cost: $125 per family

How do I register?

To register a camper, you and your child will complete and submit the application. Download the below applications:

Email Contact to learn more: rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org

PARENT MEETING DATES: Parents/guardians need to select one.

Barnette Center -255 Comet Dr. Centreville MD 21617

• July 10th: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
• July 31st: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
• August 7th: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

How can I support Camp New Dawn?

The success of Camp New Dawn depends on a group of caring and compassionate adults who volunteer as buddies. Each camper is paired with an adult buddy for the weekend. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older. New buddies must complete a two-hour training program, and all buddies participate in a four-hour training program prior to the start of camp.

Compass relies heavy on donations for Camp expenses, which has allowed us to serve over 800 children regardless of their ability pay. We think it’s important that every child who could benefit from the experience can attend. It’s a huge endeavor, and one that our staff and volunteers take on proudly to ensure this resource is here for our communities’ youth. Monetary, in-kind, or sponsorship opportunities are available and welcomed! For more information about how to make a donation, contact Shelly Baird, phartnett@compassregionalhospice.org or call 443-262-4100

Training for NEW VOLUNTEERS is mandatory, and failure to attend one of the training times will prevent you from participating in Camp New Dawn 2025. Only need to attend one of the new training days:

• 7/1 5:00-7:00pm at the Barnette Center, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville
• 7/22 5:00-7:00pm at the Barnette Center, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville

All volunteers are also required to attend orientation on Saturday July 26th in the Fellowship Hall at Centreville Methodist Church.

• MANDATORY ORIENTATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS: SATURDAY, 7/26 FROM 8:00-11:30am