Gathering the harvest
In the 2023 season, Wild Grief spread our branches wide. Today, we share a remarkable harvest from our many successful programs that help people navigate the turmoil of loss and grief. We are no longer in the early growth stages, we are an established and trusted sanctuary offering a unique form of support.
A longtime supporter of ours wrote, “Grief is part of living, but we don’t always like to acknowledge that.” As uncomfortable as it may be to think about, we are all going to experience loss and we are all going to die one day. We all want and deserve sturdy support systems, not only for ourselves, but for those we will one day leave behind. Wild Grief intends to grow organically each year, one growth ring at a time, to continue to be a solid presence for the living who have been touched by the death of someone important to them. We don't pretend we can take the pain away; losing someone important to you is among the hardest realities of the human experience. Most of our guides, volunteers and board members come to this work after living through a loss of their own. Our programs connect us with others who have a profound understanding of our grief, and give us tools to cope and change our relationship with the pain over time. By doing this deep work in wild spaces, we establish nature as an ally in our journey, creating a lasting source of healing.
Rosemary and Bill’s Family’s story
Here are Rosemary’s words she shared on social media
“This program is free to all. What a life-changing event. Attending [Wild Grief’s] weekend Family Camp in September gave me the gift of deep healing, enjoying the great outdoors with my hubby, son and grandchildren. They provided all meals, snacks, drinks, hikes and groups…. They pitched our tents for us. They provided groups for the children and parents… We made memorials of our loved ones in the forest with things from the earth. We had a candle vigil with candles made by the children. Wild Grief is not only a great resource, but a loving, genuine one!! Add them to your referral list!!” -Rosemary Mitchel, 2023
This video highlights Bill and Rosemary’s experience at our Family Journey Campout.
Feedback from Guardians of Wild Grief participants
“If you have a teen, or know of one that has any kind of grief and you have noticed a change in them… this program is a wonderful option to help them to feel like it is OK to grieve… it is a comfortable place to be their self with others in the same position and have similarities to express themselves, their grief, even just listen.”
-Teen backpack participant's parent
“she let go of some deep-held emotions... We were even able to talk to her about this, which was uncommon for her, on how she/we can move forward on her feeling like she is living in the past. We talked about ideas and decided on less phone time, limited social media, more family time, getting out of the house, and having friends that are on a similar path.” Teen backpack participant's parent
“This is a unique experience not offered elsewhere. It is totally worth all the effort to apply, attend orientation, interview etc. and those steps are actually great preparation for the kids. The wilderness dimension of the trip is what allows the group to bond and go deeper. The staff and volunteers are excellent, and I never once worried about my son’s safety, physical or emotional. Wild Grief creates a safe place for kids.” -Teen backpack participant's parent
“When you are down and troubled and need a helping hand, Wild Grief will meet you where you are in your grief and give you a hand up. This is a safe place where your grief can be acknowledged and validated. So many people say they are sorry for your loss… Wild Grief guides have personal experience and know how it feels to grieve great loss. They continue to hold space for those who need more than the traditional support they are finding. Family focus is a huge component of healing. I am so thankful to have come with part of my family and shared this experience.” - Family Journey Campout participant
Join us from anywhere for Virtual Hike Habit:
In the beginning of the pandemic, when we were striving to keep our programs going, we adapted our in-person hike into a monthly virtual program. It is far from your average online support group: every time the group meets, we connect with peers who are also grieving, and then we pause and all go outside to spend time with nature. This could be contemplating a tree in the backyard, sitting in a patch of grass, or taking a short walk. We encourage folks to think of the natural cycles of the earth as they keep the person they have lost in their heart. We find that our time together brings fresh insight and comfort. This program is accessible regardless of physical ability or location.
This program meets monthly on the second Saturday of each month.
Click here to sign up or learn more
This video is made by Karen, a Wild Grief board member and Virtual Hike Habit Leader about the experience of leading this program over the years.