When we think about summer, we often picture sunshine, vacations, swimming pools, and carefree days. For many children, summer is a season they eagerly anticipate all year long.
But for a grieving child, summer can feel very different.
While the school year provides routines, trusted adults, and daily friendships, summer often removes those anchors. School counselors aren’t available, teachers who know their story are no longer part of their daily routine, and long, unstructured days can leave more time for grief to be felt. Family vacations may highlight the absence of the person who should have been there, or annual traditions just don’t feel the same anymore. Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries can stir up difficult emotions that don’t disappear simply because the weather is warmer.
Grief doesn’t take a summer vacation.
In fact, for many children, summer can be one of the hardest seasons after the death of a loved one.
At Dustin’s Place, we knew that if grief doesn’t pause, our support shouldn’t either.
That’s why, for the first time this summer, we launched Summer Grief Adventures, weekly grief support experiences designed specifically for children. These mornings combine therapeutic activities with opportunities to simply be kids. Children explore nature, create art, splash in the pool, climb the rock wall, play games, and build friendships with other children who understand what it’s like to miss someone they love.
To someone looking in from the outside, it might seem surprising that there’s so much laughter, so much joy, at a grief center.
But that’s exactly the point.
Children don’t stop grieving because they’re laughing.
They’re discovering that grief and joy can exist together.
One moment, a child may be laughing while catching bubbles. The next, they may quietly share a memory of their dad or grandmother. Both moments are real. Both moments matter. Childhood doesn’t stop after a loss, and neither should opportunities to play, connect, and grow.
This summer, we’ve watched children who arrived quietly begin encouraging one another. We’ve seen new friendships form because someone else “gets it.” We’ve witnessed children create memories while honoring the people they miss. Those moments remind us that grief support isn’t about taking away a child’s pain; it’s about making sure they don’t have to carry it alone.
Every program at Dustin’s Place is offered at no cost because we believe every grieving child deserves access to support, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. Thanks to the generosity of our community, children can walk through our doors knowing they’ll be welcomed with compassion, understanding, and hope.
Our vision extends beyond the walls of Dustin’s Place. We believe every grieving child deserves to encounter at least one caring adult who understands grief and knows how to respond with compassion. By continuing support throughout the summer, we’re helping ensure children don’t lose the connections that help them navigate one of life’s most difficult experiences.
Summer eventually comes to an end.
Grief doesn’t.
That’s why Dustin’s Place will continue walking alongside grieving children and families, in every season.
If you know a child who is grieving or would like to learn more about our programs, we’d love to connect with you. Together, we can make sure no child has to grieve alone.