September 02, 2008

Methodist Offers 9th Annual Grief Camp for Kids

"Camp Courageous" Unique to the Area

August 25, 2008

Methodist Medical Center is accepting camp registrations for children age 5 to 18 who are working through issues of grief following the death of a loved one. Camp Courageous is a free one-day outing for 65 young people

The Methodist Hospice Program first established the camp in 2000 with a goal of providing a safe arena for kids to share their grief with others.

This year’s camp will be held at Camp Manitoumi in rural Lowpoint on October 4, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Buses will leave the Methodist Atrium Building (900 Main Street) at 8:00 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. The camp agenda will include usual camp activities including sports and horseback riding. Methodist will provide lunch as well as transportation to and from the camp free of charge. Camp Courageous is coordinated by Linda McKinney, M.A., M.A. Div. and Frank Valente, M.A., both Pastoral Counselors for the Methodist Hospice Program. Methodist employees, volunteers, and a number of skilled professionals from the Tri-County area staff the camp.

One of the camp coordinators, Linda McKinney, M.A., M .Div said, "Statistics show that one out of twenty children will experience the loss of a parent by death before the age of 18. The numbers of grieving children will go higher when one considers those who have experience the deaths of siblings, grandparents, classmates and others who are important to them." She continued, "Children who have lost a loved one to death can experience a wide range of grief related emotions, including sadness, fear, anger, and guilt. Kids often feel that they are alone and isolated since in most cases they don’t know anyone else their own age with whom to share their thoughts."

McKinney says most participants in the camp are referred through a variety of sources including schools, churches and funeral homes. After the children leave for the camp ground there will be an adult Grief and Loss Support Session at the Methodist Atrium Building from 8:15 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The information, education and peer support provided will assist parents and other caregivers in coping with their grief while understanding and helping the child at the same time.

For additional information and registration, contact the Methodist Medical Center Hospice Office at (309) 672-5746. Funding for the one-day camp is provided by the Methodist Medical Center Foundation.