Each November, Camp Remember Me brings WARM Place families together for a weekend of adventure and connection. 2025 marked the seventh year of our family camping weekend at Camp El Tesoro in Granbury, Texas — a time to honor loved ones while finding comfort and joy with others who understand the journey of grief. We were honored to host 40 families, supported by an incredible group of volunteers and WARM Place staff. This year’s theme was Light, culminating in decorating lanterns and a glow party.
Families arrived on Friday evening, settled into cabins, shared dinner and eased into the weekend. Our opening ceremony by the campfire was a heartfelt moment: each family received a small lantern with a candle to hold in memory of their loved one, and we moved around the circle as each family shared the name of the person they were remembering. We closed the ceremony by singing the WARM Place’s “Remember Song” and roasting s’mores — a warm, meaningful way to begin the weekend.
Saturday morning was full of fun camp activities designed for families to laugh, try new things, and support one another with archery, canoeing and hiking. Saturday afternoon focused on creative projects such as making family flags and decorating lanterns to honor their loved ones as well as the challenge rope course. These activities offered not only fun but opportunities for healing: completing the challenge course empowered kids and adults alike, and the lanterns and flags gave families a tangible way to remember and celebrate their person.
New memories were made all weekend as families gathered to share their stories. The centerpiece was our “Light”-themed Glow Dance Party! This festive evening, complete with a silent disco, bright decorations, and the sound of endless family laughter, truly lit up the night. On Sunday, families gathered once more to reflect on what the weekend meant to them. We ended our closing ceremony by the firepit and shared our family flags. Each family received a walking stick from camp, meticulously crafted by Boy Scouts Troup 32. The memories made — both joyful and tender — will stay with participants long after the campfire embers cool.
Camp Remember Me continues to be a special space where grief is honored and hope is nurtured. We are grateful to the families, volunteers, and staff who made this year’s weekend possible and look forward to many more years of healing, community, and remembrance.
