TAMPA, Fla. — Losing your husband or wife can be grief that you never quite get over. Now, there’s a unique support group that’s found an annual home in Tampa.

It’s called Camp Widow. It’s a place where those who lost a spouse can meet with others going through the same thing.

Founder Michelle Neff Hernandez’s started it 10 years ago. Her life changed when she lost her husband suddenly in a bike accident.

“I had no idea what to do with myself or at 35, how I could be a widow,” she said.

When reaching out for support, she realized there were many others looking for the same thing. So she started Soaring Spirits International, and out of that, came Camp Widow.

“Some have the idea that we sit around and cry. And that it’s a very negative experience, when really the opposite is true," she said.

For example, one group of campers learned how to line dance. It’s one of many things planned for campers to help them meet others going through a similar loss.

There are also workshops and presentations to help folks deal with grief.

“You’ll always remember that person you lost, but being here helps you realize you can move forward and have a good, joyful life,” said participant Maria Oliver.

The camp sets out to form a community that participants can rely on even long after camp ends. It’s also for both women and men.

“It lets me know that I’m not alone. You’ll get dark thoughts or feel alone. Now you know that someone’s always out there,” said participant Brian Lee.

Camp Widow is the only one of its kind and has now come to Tampa for the sixth year in a row at the Marriott Waterside Hotel.

Camp Widow is held three times a year. Its other two locations are San Diego and Toronto.