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| News & Events |
| June 09, 2009
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| CAMP HOPE HELPS CHILDREN HEAL |
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 The Circle of Hope program of Niagara Hospice will hold its 9th Camp Hope for grieving children August 28 - 30 at the YMCA’s Camp Kenan in Barker. Offered to children throughout Western New York who have lost a loved one through death – whether or not they ever received hospice care - the camp is FREE for children age 7 to 13.
Nine year old Gabrielle Simpson and eleven year old James Simpson of North Tonawanda participated in Camp Hope 2008 after losing their mother in the spring of 2007. Their dad, James, said: “When I arrived at Camp Hope Sunday morning for the breakfast, Gabrielle and James were so excited – not necessarily to see me, but to tell me about their whole weekend. They really enjoyed Camp Hope and came home with new ways to help cope with the loss of their mom.” James also commented on how impressed he was by the staff and the variety of activities they provided.
Camp Hope is staffed by professional counselors, trained volunteers and a nurse who is on hand for the entire weekend. During the camp weekend, children learn to express their grief through many activities such as creative movement therapy, musical expression, as well as arts and crafts. Outdoor recreation like rock wall climbing, making and eating S’mores around the campfire, swimming and nature walks are also enjoyed.
Camp Hope Director Linda Bazinet said, “At a time of loss, children need the support of a caring adult – usually a parent or grandparent. What is often overlooked is the impact of having a peer as support. At Camp Hope you have children helping children. They understand each other’s needs and respond to each other at their own level. They learn that they are not alone.”
Camp Hope also includes follow-up programs to monitor the children’s progress in coping with their loss. About six weeks following camp, the children and their caregivers will meet again with staff and volunteers for a Camp Hope reunion. Children will be given a camp yearbook to exchange signatures with their new friends. If needed, referrals will be made with a bereavement counselor for children in need of additional grief support.
For a free camp application, call the Outreach Department at (716) 280-0777 or visit NiagaraHospice.org for printable forms. Applications must be received by Friday, August 1. Applications are also available on-line for men and women 18 and older who are interested in volunteering for the camp weekend – whether it’s for a few hours or for the whole weekend.
Camp Hope is free and entirely funded by local service clubs, organizations, individuals and grants. Camp Hope is sponsored in part by the American Legion Auxiliary, Baehr’s Ice Cream Cottage, Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation, Danny Sheehan’s Steak House, Kohl’s Cares for Kids, Lockport Schools Federal Credit Union, Middle Chamber Society, Pendleton Lions Club, and Wegman’s Supermarket on Military Road. If you would like to sponsor a camper please contact the Outreach Department. |
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