Children Needing Grief Support Can Find Help At Overnight Camp

Children and camp cousleors gather to get acquainted and sing camp songs on the first day of "Together We Can."

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Registration Now Open for “Together We Can Overnight” Help and support are available for children ages 8-14 who are coping with the death of a loved one. “Together We Can Overnight,” a children’s grief support camp hosted by Hospice of the Western Reserve, is planned from Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m., to Sunday, Oct. 16, 10:15 a.m., at Red Oak Camp, 9057 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland. For the convenience of families from Parma and surrounding southwestern communities, camp transportation will be provided from the Holiday Inn, 4181 W. 150th St. Drop off times and additional camp details will be included in registration packets. The registration fee is $25 per camper; scholarships are available. Space is limited and completed registrations are due by Monday, Sept. 26. For more information and to receive a registration packet, call 216.486.6838.

Planned activities such as commemorative crafts, drum circles and storytelling encourage memories, coping skills and the expression of feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Plenty of time is also set aside for fun recreational activities and creative play, allowing children to enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

“We have hosted bereavement day camps for many years,” said Karen Hatfield, Team Leader for Counseling Services, Hospice of the Western Reserve. “Our campers have frequently asked us to consider an overnight event. We’re excited to offer one for the first time this year. Staying overnight enables children to participate in traditional camp experiences like spending time together around the campfire and sleeping in the cabins available at Red Oak. The outdoor setting allows them to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and asking questions in a safe, supportive environment among other children who are coping with similar feelings.”

Generous gifts from the community make it possible for Hospice of the Western Reserve, a nonprofit agency serving the Northern Ohio region, to offer a variety of grief support camps for children. For more information or to make a donation supporting the camps, visit hospicewr.org/donate.