She felt lost when she became a widow in her 20s. Then she signed up to grief camp

CNN — When Mackenzie Galloway-Cole saw the reminder in her Google calendar, her first reaction was dread: Three days, blocked out with two words, in all caps: “GRIEF CAMP.” Taking a few deep breaths, Galloway-Cole tried to calm her nerves. So, when I found out about the camp, I signed up the day I found out.” ‘A big leap of bravery’ After a phone call with Experience Camps’ program director, Galloway-Cole paid the requisite $425 fee “and then put the dates in my calendar and didn’t think about it too much.” Then, suddenly – somehow – it was June 2024. But most of the grief retreat options available for adults don’t include “silly dances and an egg drop competition,” two highlights of Galloway-Cole’s June weekend. And being able to just talk about her and who she was, and who she always will be, openly, I think is something that I will definitely bring more into my life.” The experience at grief camp led Galloway-Cole to realize she can “continue to introduce people to my wife, even though she’s not with us anymore.” Telling stories about her late wife to her new friends at grief camp was cathartic for Galloway-Cole. “That has been so impactful to hear from other people, and to see that she really does continue to be with me, and I can continue to bring her and introduce her to every person in my life that I come across.” Galloway-Cole and her fellow campers are already planning future meet-ups and weekend trips together – as well as hopefully reuniting for the 2025 Experience Camps’ adult grief retreat.