Imagine Partners with Philadelphia Outward Bound School to Offer Outdoor Expedition to Teen Participants

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, recently partnered with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and fellow New Jersey Grief Collaborative partner, Good Grief, to offer a transformative five-day outdoor wilderness expedition for teens coping with the loss of a close family member or friend.

From June 26–30, six teens from Imagine and six teens from Good Grief embarked on an adventure along the Delaware Water Gap. The participants spent five days and four nights camping, canoeing, cooking, developing wilderness survival skills, and engaging in meaningful group conversations.

In addition to fostering leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills, the trip provided a unique environment for the young participants to build deep connections with peers who understand the pain of losing someone close to them. The outdoor setting created a supportive, judgment-free space where the teens could feel less isolated in their grief, share their personal experiences, and mourn together.

"We are so deeply grateful to Sam Barnhardt and the entire team at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School for helping to make this life-changing experience possible for our young participants," said Imagine's Mountainside Program Associate, Kellie Saracino.

The powerful impact of the expedition was best captured by the participants themselves:

• "I would love to do it again. It was really, really fun. I got to be outside when I usually stay inside. I got to make more friends and did not feel pressured or stressed. The support from the instructors was excellent."
• “My favorite part of the expedition was meeting new people who understood what I was going through and learning new things.”
• “It was all in all a really great trip! I had so much fun!!”

To learn more about Imagine’s grief support programs for children, teens, and families, or to find out how to support grieving youth in your community, please visit www.imaginenj.org.

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss is a 501c3 that offers training and education on loss and grief to the community and free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and caregivers of the children in the groups and offered in English and Spanish. Imagine has centers in Newark and Mountainside and offers virtual groups as well. For more information, please contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org or visit our website at www.imaginenj.org.