The sound of rain filled the amphitheater one evening at the 2024 Hal Bruno Comfort Zone Camp in Martinsville, Indiana. Yet, no one needed an umbrella or rain gear—because this rain sound emanated not from the skies, but from the collective rubbing of hands, snapping of fingers, and feet of tapping by the campers and volunteer “Big Buddies” gathered inside.
What began as an evening of lighthearted campfire songs transitioned to a solemn yet uplifting remembrance activity for the children ages 7-17 of fallen firefighters memorialized at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The 56 campers and Big Buddies—each specifically matched with a young camper—participated in this shared act of healing to evoke the soothing sensation of a cleansing rain. Each camper then stepped forward to toss a handwritten note to their loved one into a bonfire and said their loved one’s name aloud to honor their memory in a powerful moment of remembrance.
The Hal Bruno Comfort Zone Kids Camp is named after the late Chair of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Board of Directors. Bruno was a fierce advocate for the families of fallen firefighters – and the camp established in his name offers an invaluable experience for children who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. The Kids Camp is not just a typical summer camp but a blend of traditional camp activities with specialized programs to address the emotional needs of grieving children. The NFFF’s partnership with the nonprofit organization Comfort Zone Camp is instrumental in developing this unique and meaningful programming.
My first camp was amazing. I loved the support and love amongst everyone – truly an extended family.
The Kids Camp builds a supportive network that extends beyond its duration, instilling a sense of belonging and solidarity among the campers and their one-on-one Big Buddies. Many campers return each year to be reunited with their Big Buddies because of the strong bonds made in previous years. Some former campers, like Ryan Woitalewicz, have even returned to camp to volunteer as Big Buddies. Ryan, who was just four years old when his dad, Kenneth A. (Kenny) Woitalewicz was lost in the line of duty, was featured with his Big Buddy in season one of the NFFF podcast series Grief in Progress.
Ryan led one of the activities, first inviting campers to find a rock or a pebble. He then discussed how grief could be compared to a rock—sometimes, it feels like an anchor, not allowing you to move forward. Sometimes, you can put it on a shelf to deal with it later; sometimes, you put it in your pocket and take it wherever you go. But, as Ryan said, it is okay not to always carry it with you—and he provided his personal insights into managing grief during childhood.
As one first-time volunteer said, “I think adults have much to learn from kids about being resilient and meeting grief with an open heart.” The Hal Bruno Comfort Zone Camp poignantly reminds us that hope and healing can flourish in the face of tragedy, and the legacy of fallen firefighters will forever be cherished and celebrated.
2024 Comfort Zone Camp Campers
- 20 campers were aged 7-10
- 14 campers were aged 11-14
- 22 campers were aged 15-18
Campers represented 35 firefighters from 16 states
- 53 campers experienced a parent/guardian loss
- 3 campers experienced a sibling loss
Camp HAL
(Healing After Loss)
The 2024 Camp HAL (Healing After Loss) for younger kids took place in Bloomington, Indiana, in June. This camp had X children between the ages of 4 and 6 who are the child or sibling of a firefighter honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Camp HAL uses play therapy and expressive therapy to help grieving children. The youngest members of our Fire Hero Family are given a safe space to talk about their loved ones and enjoy time doing traditional camp activities.
