Grades 3-5
For students entering grades 3-5 in the 2025-2026 school year.
Camp Dates: Monday, July 21- Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Education and Community
Mending Hearts Camp
About Mending Hearts
Mending Hearts is a performing arts day camp designed for young people who have experienced the death of one or both parents. Campers are surrounded by peers who share a similar loss, creating a supportive environment where they can explore their creativity through performing arts and community-building activities.
Registration
Returning Campers
Registration is now open for returning Mending Hearts campers! The special registration link has been emailed to all returners. Hurry to save your spot!
New Campers
Registration for new campers will open on February 24, 2025. Email mendinghearts@orpheum-memphis.com or call Lena Wallace Black at 901-529-4247 to join our notification list.
Upcoming Camp Dates
Grades 6-8
For students entering grades 6-8 in the 2025-2026 school year.
Camp Dates: July 7-18, 2025 (two weeks) Monday-Friday.
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Registration Fees
$50 per family. Scholarships are available — no child will be turned away due to financial hardship.
Lunch and Extended Care
Before and after extended care is available for a fee. Free lunch and snacks are provided.
Attendance
Campers must be available to attend all days and hours of camp in order to participate.
Camp Activities
Throughout the camp, participants engage in a variety of performing arts and creative activities that promote self-expression, self-confidence, and collaboration. These activities are designed to help campers process their emotions and build connections with others who understand their experiences. The camp also includes opportunities for reflection, particularly during sharing time with adults who have experienced similar losses, giving campers hope for their future.
Staff and Support
Orpheum-trained teaching artists, along with healing counselors, guide campers through the program. The teaching artists foster creativity and collaboration, while the counselors provide emotional support, helping campers practice coping skills and work through difficult emotions. The counselors also facilitate small group discussions where campers can reflect on their experiences in a brave, supportive space.
For More Information or Assistance
LENA WALLACE BLACK
Education and Engagement Manager
901-529-4247
lblack@orpheum-memphis.com
RHYAN ALLEMAN
Education and Engagement Coordinator
901-529-4263
alleman@orpheum-memphis.com
Join the Mending Hearts Sharing Time Network
The Orpheum Theatre Group is currently seeking adults who experienced the death of a parent when they were a child to volunteer their time to share their story with campers who have endured the same loss.
My father passed away unexpectedly when I was seven years old. As I grew, I realized it was my childhood involvement in the performing arts that gave me the tools to express myself, a group of supportive friends, and the self-confidence to achieve the success I have enjoyed in life. With Mending Hearts Camp, I am pleased the Orpheum can give other children who have experienced the devastating loss of a parent the same benefits of the performing arts that I had as a child.”
Brett Batterson — Orpheum Theatre Group, President and CEO
Support Mending Hearts Camp
Special Thanks to Our Mending Hearts Camp Sponsors
