Lutheran Home Care & Hospice is holding their 17th Annual Children’s Bereavement Camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one.
The program, called Camp Evergreen, will take place July 25 – 27, 2014, at Valley Youth House, Camp Fowler in Orefield, PA. The Camp is free for all children in need of help between the ages of 8 and 16. Any and all children and adolescents who have been challenged by grief are welcome to attend.
Program coordinators state that volunteers are always welcome as well and free training is provided. They added that Camp Evergreen was founded in 1997 by chaplains of who had a vision of how we could better support families and the community with children’s bereavement. The camp provides an atmosphere of fun and friendship, this free weekend camp provides children with a safe haven to explore and express the emotions experienced after a loved one dies. When a child experiences the death of someone on whom they love and depend, their emotions may include prolonged sorrow, hurt, confusion, loneliness and anger. Often, parents or guardians are not equipped or experienced to help them deal with their bereavement. Some have experienced the death of a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, while others have lost their best friend.
Camp Evergreen gives the children an opportunity to share their stories and talk about their losses in a safe environment. Throughout the weekend the campers will attend a variety of fun activities that include, music therapy, pet therapy, art therapy, sports, as well as, sessions on grief and loss, under the guidance and supervision of bereavement counselors, and trained adult ‘buddies’ and volunteers. “Campers” are encouraged to express their feelings with others their age.
If you are interested in referring a camper or to volunteer, call (888) 882-4530.
Camp Evergreen is a program and service of Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, Inc.
Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, Inc. provides Hospice, Home Health, Telehealth Monitoring, In-home Support and Grief Support Services. The agency serves Northeast and South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. For more information, visit their website at www.lutheranhomecare.org or www.valleyyouthhouse.org/CampFowler-Valley-Youth-House.html visit them on Facebook.