San Marcos, TX - Amidst tears and broken hearts, children shared laughs, smiles and fond memories of deceased loved ones at Camp HeartSong, a special bereavement camp hosted by CTMC Hospice Care. The camp is one of the most recognizable ways CTMC extends its mission outside of its main campus each year. Forty children ages 7 - 12 attended the three day bereavement camp in June held at John Knox Ranch, in hopes of finding comfort in their loss.
Children not only participated in regular camp activities such as swimming, arts and crafts and canoeing, but also activities to help them cope with the death of their loved ones. They created and decorated their own face mask and learned that it was okay to take the “mask” off and let out their feelings of grief. The campers also created paper boats with messages to their loved one and released them into the river on the last day of camp in a special ceremony called “Letting Go.”
“This bereavement camp is able to give these children an opportunity to share their stories with other kids who are experiencing the same type of loss. It’s really comforting to know that you’re not alone in this type of situation, especially at such a young age,” said Lisa Adams, Camp Director and Public Relations Coordinator with CTMC Hospice Care.
Camp HeartSong is entirely funded through contributions from CTMC employee annual Seasons of Sharing campaign. For more information regarding CTMC Hospice Care, or to make a donation, please call (512) 754-6159 or (866) 754-6159.
You can view photos and learn more about this program at the following link:
http://www.ctmc.org/AHSISMidMenu1/Hospice/CampHeartSong/tabid/4447/Default.aspx