21.09.2025

When we gather at Barretstown, something truly special happens. Heartfelt reflection, time to honour beloved children, and Barretstown’s signature serious fun come together. Children who have passed away are part of this community; remembered as essential members of the seventeen families who joined us.

Peter Hanlon, in his reflection around the tree planting ceremony, pointed out some of the larger trees in the grove. Tress planted by Anam Cara families in years past that have continued to grow, year after year. Trees planted by parents who still join us at every meeting, and those whom we may not have seen in many years. Like these trees, memories of the precious children remain– even grow and change as the cycles of each year go by and families grow around them. We are honoured to witness and remember each child and each family.

Following this deeply meaningful and impactful reflection, families of all shapes and sizes embarked on an afternoon of adventure. From canoeing to arts and crafts, cake decorating to rock climbing, families came together to support one another in a safe and compassionate space.

We are so incredibly grateful to our long-term partners at Barretstown for sharing their magical camps with us, enabling us to make these experiences possible for each and every bereaved family. Peter Hanlon, the Barretstown caras, and each member of our small-but-mighty team worked incredibly hard to ensure that each aspect of this event was surrounded in care and hospitality, to them we also extend our heartfelt thanks. We are also especially grateful this year for the families, who, in all places along the journey of grief continue to show up in vulnerability, openness, and understanding– as a true anam cara, a true soul friend, to each other.