STAFF REPORT

Camp Heartsong helps bereaved children work through their grief. Last year, campers set sail paper boats with messages to their loved one. (Courtesy photo)

CTMC Hospice Care is accepting applications for Camp HeartSong, a special bereavement camp for children ages 8 – 13 who have experienced a death of a family member or significant loved one in the last year. Camp dates are June 6, 7 and 8, 2010.

Camp HeartSong will be held at John Knox Ranch, a 300 acre camp facility located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country on the banks of the Blanco River, six miles from Wimberley. Kids will spend three days and two nights in camp lodges supervised by trained adult camp counselors, including a licensed social worker and registered nurse.
Camp HeartSong provides a safe harbor for children to express feelings of grief and loss in a peaceful environment. Bereavement activities using art, crafts and music are threaded into fun camp activities including swimming, tubing, hiking, photography and a campside bonfire. A bereavement counselor will conduct individualized counseling and support groups.

“When a young child experiences a significant death, such as a parent or sibling, the loss can have a detrimental effect,” said Lisa Adams, spokesperson for CTMC Hospice Care. “We believe emotional comfort is important for acceptance after a loss, just as encouragement from their loved ones. At Camp HeartSong, our goal is to walk with these children along the road to recovery.”

Camp HeartSong is funded through the CTMC Seasons of Sharing annual campaign and through community donations. There is no cost for the children to attend and meals and snacks are provided, however, space is limited. Please visit www.HisTouch.com to watch a short video on this special camp.

For an application to Camp HeartSong, or for more information about volunteering to be a counselor, call CTMC Hospice Care at 512-754-6159.