The Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) Center for Loss and Hope will hold its’ 7th annual free children’s bereavement day camp, Camp Promise, daily June 11-14, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Due to popular demand, the camp is expanding to four days instead of three. Camp Promise helps children ages 6-11 process a significant loss, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling. The children learn to manage and understand their grief through creative activities such as craft-making, music, drama, and art therapy.
A staff of professional facilitators oversee the children as they go through the creative stations. A morning snack, boxed lunch and afternoon snack will be provided each day. The camp will be held on the grounds of the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center at 3358 Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn.
To register a child, or for more information, please call Rochelle Sheppard, Spiritual Care and Bereavement Services Coordinator, at 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662. Participants attend Camp Promise at no-cost to their families thanks to the generosity of countless businesses and individuals. This year's Premier Sponsor is Westminster Presbyterian Church. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a child's camp experience, please contact the Akron General Foundation at 330-344-6888.
Oftentimes, we hesitate to talk about death especially with young children or adolescents; but, without the courage to talk openly and freely, we greatly limit our ability to help.
Parents, communicate to your children that they can openly express the feelings they have when a loved one dies.
Parents, remember children communicate their thoughts and feelings according to their particular stage of development.
Children also process their grief in “bite size” pieces over time. They may mourn the death of a parent, grandparent, or someone the child was close to, on and off for several years.
330-745-1601 * 1-800-362-0031
