Camp Emily
Having someone close die is painful, but to a child the loss can be especially difficult. Trying to process the loss and grief while witnessing those around them grieving too, can leave a child feeling isolated and alone.
To support grieving children and their families, Camp Emily was developed through the bereavement program of Lakeland Hospice. This special day camp is designed for children ages 7-18 and their loved ones who have experienced the death of someone they love.
Camp Emily was started by Lakeland Hospice Foundation in 2007. Emily’s family wanted something special to remember her by, something that would spread some of the love that she had known during her short life.
This year’s Camp Emily will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Eisenhower Complex where the offices of Lakeland Hospice are located, 805 E. Channing Ave. in Fergus Falls.
Participants are often from the surrounding area, but have come from as far away as Winnipeg, Manitoba and South Dakota. Thanks to generous donations from area sponsors, there is no charge to participate in Camp Emily and children and their families are invited back year after year.
Losing a parent, sibling, grandparent, relative, friend or classmate can leave a child grasping for how to cope with intense feelings and profound loss. Parents or guardians accompany the youth for the day, participating in the experience and learning more about their own grief in the process.
“I found it hard to help my grandchildren and adult children with their grief when I was grieving, too. Camp Emily brings us together to learn how to express our grief and provide tools to heal. Being with others in a similar situation is reassuring and comforting,” said Dianne Herman, grandmother of Emily Johnson.
According to Bonnie Wallin, bereavement coordinator at Lakeland Hospice, “Camp Emily is a day of healing and connecting with others, giving opportunities for grieving families to feel less isolated and to connect with others who are on a similar journey.”
Each year trained facilitators are brought on board bringing expertise in the fields of grief counseling and personal loss. Bereavement social workers meet throughout the year in preparation for the activities and events of this special one-day event.
Article courtesy of The Daily Journal
Date and Time
Saturday Oct 8, 2016
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CDT
Sat. Oct 8th 2016
9 AM - 3 PM
Location
LB Homes Lakeland Hospice
(Former Eisenhower School Building)
805 E. Channing Ave , Fergus Falls
Contact Information
Register By Calling 218-998-1400