HODC Introduces Camp Comfort: A Grief Camp Designed for Kids and Teens

June 26, 2024

HODC INTRODUCES CAMP COMFORT: A GRIEF CAMP DESIGNED FOR KIDS AND TEENS

Hospice of Davidson County creates an age-appropriate camp for children and teens to discuss grief and loss.

Hospice of Davidson County (HODC) invites children and teens within the community to participate in its inaugural Camp Comfort. The day-camp will address grief and loss with age-appropriate education, reflection, and activities focused on healthy coping skills. Held on the spacious campus of Hospice of Davidson County, Camp Comfort will provide opportunities for engagement and reflection on losing a loved one. Attendees will be invited to have candid conversations centered on their feelings and the grief process. Session activities will include creating a piece of art reflective of their emotional journey to take home with them. All activities will be led by HODC Bereavement Counselor, Emily Sullivan, LCMHCA. Campers will also be supported by HODC Spiritual Counselor, Emma Hylton, M. Div., and multiple members of the nursing, support services, and hospice volunteer teams.

“Camp Comfort was designed with the needs of bereaved children in mind. We’re providing campers with education on grief and emotional coping skills, along with some fun arts and crafts. They will have opportunities to learn from our professionals in a supportive environment, and a chance to hear from peers who have also experienced grief and loss,” Ms. Sullivan shares. “I hope that through Camp Comfort, bereaved children of our community will understand that they are not alone, that grief is a natural reaction to loss, and that it will get easier.”

Session offerings include Thursday, July 11^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for rising 1^st through 5^th graders; Thursday, July 25^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for rising 6^th through 8^th graders; and Wednesday, July 31^st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for rising 9^th through 12^th graders. Snacks and lunch will be served and every participant will receive a t-shirt.

“Our team is excited for the inaugural Camp Comfort and the ability to bring this opportunity to the youth of Davidson County. Grief and loss are issues that we all face, and providing specialized services for this population is a privilege that we hope makes a difference in their grief journey,” notes Cole Warner, MA, LCMHC, Director of Support Services.

Registration is required through the “Events” page on the HODC website and includes a $20 registration fee. Scholarships are available to ensure accessibility to the camp by all interested campers. There is also an opportunity for the community to “Sponsor a Camper” to assist in camp costs. All information and forms can be located at https://www.hospiceofdavidson.org/events/camp-comfort/

For more information, contact Emily Sullivan at 336-474-2082 or

esullivan@hospiceofdavidson.org

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About Hospice of Davidson County

For nearly 40 years, Hospice of Davidson County has served as a recognized leader in the advancement of quality end-of-life care in our community. As the only nationally rated 5-star hospice provider in the area, the agency provides comfort for more than 150 patients and their families each day. Healthcare services are provided in private homes, long-term care and skilled-nursing facilities, and the Henry Etta & Bruce Hinkle Hospice House, the only inpatient hospice facility in Davidson County. ACHC accredited and recipient of the Hospice Honors Award, Hospice of Davidson County is committed to providing expert, compassionate, and professional care to our community. For more information, visit hospiceofdavidson.org or Facebook.