About Us
Mission & Purpose
The mission of Camp Koala is to provide grieving children with tools and resources to manage their grief in a healthy way, and to provide companionship in a supportive environment.
Camp Koala's purpose is to develop and administer autonomous volunteer programs of supportive care, free of charge, for children facing grief after the death of a close family member, their families and the bereaved.
Our Story
Camp Koala was established in memory of my sisters, Shelly (12) & Heather (9), who died in a car accident on Mother's Day, 1989. Through this camp, I hope to give meaning to their short lives, because they meant so much to everyone whose lives they touched.
On 9/11/06, the idea came to me. After 20 years, I decided to create a camp as a living memorial to them, to help kids who experienced what I went through when I was a kid. I don't want kids to spend 20 years grieving alone like I did. It's hard for parents to help kids at times like this, because they're grieving, too, and kids feel better talking with kids who have been through a similar situation.
My hope is that through Camp Koala, kids can find a safe place to talk about their feelings and find friends to help them through these hard times, and also have fun! With the help of many great volunteers and a fantastic Board of Directors, we've created a safe place to work through these challenges, where people don't treat you like you're contagious.
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Welcome to camp!
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Lisa Streett-Liebetrau
Founder & Executive Director
"Since attending camp, my son has begun to open up to his therapist, which he never had done before your camp. His therapist was amazed at how much camp had impacted his life, and how much progress he is making. He is talking about his Dad now, and has even cried for the first time since his death." - Camper Parent
Our Team
Lisa Streett-Liebetrau
Executive Director, Board President and Founder
Jon Liebetrau
Board Vice President
Kim Kuba
Board Member
Lauren Simmons
D. 2018, Member Emeritus
Kimberley Sawyer
Camp Koala Secretary
Board Treasurer
Terry Stockdale
Board Member
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Victoria Liebetrau
Board Member
Audrey Aarhus
D. 2018, Member Emeritus
Christine Heim
Board Secretary
Michael Streett
Board Member
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Charlie Schlegel
Board Member
Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
At Camp Koala, diversity is an integral part of our work. Inclusion is the way we treat and perceive all differences, as grief knows no bounds. We want to create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are seen as real value for our camps.
