Hospice Caring's Camp Caring
For Grieving Children May 31 - June 2, 2013
Hospice Caring's Weekend Camp Program for Grieving Children, Ages 8-12
Contact: Penny Gladhill at 301-990-8904 or email pennyg@hospicecaring.org.
When someone close to a child dies, how might the child express grief? What kinds of feelings might they experience? What types of behavior should concern parents? Camp Caring is a 3-day carefully supervised, warm and friendly environment, where children feel safe about sharing their thoughts and feelings about the loss of a loved one. Little Buddies and Big Buddies ( Adult Trained Volunteers) participate in specially designed creative activities to help the children explore and share their feelings with peers and others who really understand what they are going through. When they return home, the children feel uplifted and empowered by the valuable tools they acquire at camp.
“Many people, including grandparents and parents, are looking for help talking with children about the death of a loved one,” explained Penny Gladhill who supervises the camp. “We talk about the different ways children grieve and what children need in order to feel comforted when they experience the death of someone close. Children need to receive age-appropriate information and need to be able to express their feelings in ways that make sense for them.” she added.
The campers at Camp Caring are busy the whole weekend with activities that range in purpose from being purely fun, to helping them deal with their loss. Some of the activities include a maze which they must lead their Big Buddy through and be led through in return. A rope course that helps the learn to conquer their fears and trust in others. Arts and crafts where they create special mementos of their time at camp, and of the person they have lost. A dance, where they learn new moves and meet new friends and performances by acting groups in which the campers can participate.
Hospice Caring staff and over 100 volunteers and donors give their time, talent and money to support this beneficial and life changing program for children in need.
The Camp Caring Director, Penny Gladhill, and Amelia Stevenson, a young adult who participated in the program are available for press interviews. Photos and video are also available.
Adults responsible for children ages 8-12 living in Montgomery County, Maryland, dealing with the loss of a loved one may inquire about Camp Caring by contacting Penny Gladhill at 301-990-8904 or email pennyg@hospicecaring.org.
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Make New Friends at Camp Caring
Learn How To Conquer Fears and Trust in Others
Create Memories at Camp Caring
Who Is Camp Caring For?
Who Is Camp Caring For?
Camp Caring is for children ages 8-12 who are grieving the death of a loved one.
When will Camp Caring be held?
Camp will be held May 31-June 2, 2013
Campers arrive at the Hospice Caring Cottage in Gaithersburg Friday afternoon to meet their Big Buddies, pack up their gear, and hit the road to Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland, a 300 acre campsite about one hour from Gaithersburg. Campers return on Sunday with new experiences, memories, and friends.
How is Camp Caring possible?
Camp Caring is attended by Hospice Caring staff, volunteer facilitators, and Big Buddies.
Each child is paired with a Big Buddy who is a constant support for the child throughout their camp experience. They are there to listen to their Little Buddy, and be a trustworthy adult who will listen to them without bias or judgement. Camp Caring is provided without charge to the participants through Hospice Caring. Over 100 volunteers and donors give their time, money, and talent to support this beneficial and life changing program. Click here to make a donation.
What is the next step?
If you know a child who is dealing with the death of a loved one, or if you would like to contribute either your time or money to Camp Caring,
please call Penny Gladhill at 301-990-8904 or e-mail pennyg@hospicecaring.org
Email: pennyg@hospicecaring.org
Website: http://www.hospicecaring.org/
Phone: 301-990-8904
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hospice-caring
About Hospice Caring
Why Hospice Caring is a Different Kind of Hospice
A Different Kind of Hospice
Since 1989, Hospice Caring has been the only non-medical, volunteer hospice in Montgomery County, Maryland. Trained and dedicated volunteers provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill adults and children and their families, and to anyone grieving the death of a loved one. All services are provided without charge.
As a non-medical hospice, Hospice Caring does not require that the patient have a six-month or less prognosis. Curative treatments may still be pursued, and a physician's referral is not necessary. Hospice Caring’s carefully screened and trained caregivers visit homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities -- wherever they are needed to work directly with patients, families and friends to navigate end-of-life challenges and choices.
Later, bereavement volunteers check in with the family and provide information about support groups, counselors, and community resources. For children, Hospice Caring volunteers facilitate one-of-a-kind Good Grief Clubs in the county’s schools for children of all ages, as well as an annual Camp Caring weekend for children ages 8 to 12. For adults, Hospice Caring volunteers facilitate a variety of peer support groups for those who have experienced similar types of losses. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION.
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