Camp Skylark Helps Kids Make Sense of Grief and Loss

FRASER CANYON HOSPICE SOCIETY
Contact: Deena Reis, Hospice Coordinator

Email: Deena.Ropp-Reis@fraserhealth.ca

Phone: 604-860-7713
www.frasercanyonhospice.org

For Immediate Release

Camp Skylark To Help Children Make Sense of Grief

Death and loss know no boundaries. It is hard enough for adults to go through the bereavement process, when a child grieves, it can be a frightening and lonely experience. Hospice can help.

Hope, BC July 22, 2005 -- The Fraser Canyon Hospice Society, with the help of a grant from the Fraser Health Authority, and the support of local donations, is offering a unique, therapeutic opportunity, Sept 16 -18, 2005, to bereaved children in our district. Twenty-five (25) children ranging in age from 7 to 13, who have experienced the death of someone close to them, will take part in the fun and friendship of a weekend camping experience at beautiful Camp Squeah.

"Camp Skylark is the first program we've created especially for young people and the initial response from the community has been very positive," says Hospice Coordinator, Deena Reis. "Our aim is to make 'Camp Skylark' an annual event and it will take community education and public support to realize that goal."

Camp Skylark's coordinator, Gloria Miller's background includes training and experience in working with youth at risk, many of whom have experienced loss in some form. She also knows how it feels to be a grieving child, because her own father died when she was only six years old.

"The program is 90% fun and 10% therapeutic," explains Miller. "Bereavement professionals, trained camp counselors and hospice volunteers will facilitate arts & crafts, recreation, discussions, sharing, and music activities to assist the children in developing new skills for coping with loss. By not focusing solely on the grieving process, children will find a safe, supportive and accepting environment, in natural surroundings, where they will develop new coping skills to help them deal with their grief."

There is no charge for the camp; however, every child must have an understanding of the focus of the weekend, and have expressed an interest in attending.

We are looking for young people to train as camp volunteers. For more information, to register your child, for media interviews, or if you wish to make a donation earmarked for the camp, please contact: Deena Reis, Fraser Canyon Hospice Coordinator at 604-860-7713.