Camp offers solace for grieving children

Trails of Hope Grief Camp has become a sanctuary of support for children who have had to endure loss of a loved one. They gather with others who share common groundwhen dealingwith the emotions that remain after the passing of someone dear to them. Everyone deals with grief in different ways, but camp helps ease the pain because everyone is present for the same reason. Camp offers a compassionate environment that doesn't focus on those passed on, but it offers time to help children copewith loss while giving them time to enjoy life and rejuvenate.

Children recently attended a weekend long retreat at Camp Tecumseh YMCA that included a wide variety of activities and time to reminisce about those they loved and lost. The weekend consisted of a carnival held on Friday evening after arrival. They were joined by several guests including Storm Troopers from Star Wars to make the carnival even more fun and exciting. They danced, sang, and played games. Saturday tartedwith rock climbingwalls, continuedwith crafts, scrapbooking, Jungle John's Silly Safari Show, Caring Paws Therapy Dogs, and ended with campfire. Sunday brought out special guests, Senator RonAlting and Sally Miller, sponsor of camp and author of the inspirational book, "Mourning and Dancing."

Participants were not just at camp to enjoy all the activities, they also had the opportunity to release some of the bottled up emotions that coincidewith grief.Theymade memory boxes to hold pictures of their loved ones. In addition to the boxes, they engaged in 'Phoenix Rituals' at campfire. They wrote down things about the special person they've lost and either read it or had someone read it for them.They tossed their thoughts into the campfire in order to let go but not forget about their loss. They also celebrated a closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon with a balloon release in honor and memory of those who have died.

Trails ofHopeGrief Camp is for anyone who knows a child age 7- 17who has suffered a loss.Applications are being accepted now for next year's camp to be held Sept. 21-23. Information may be received by calling 765-420-1739 or v i s i t i n g www.trailsofhopecamp.org.