“My grief is like a river, I have to let it flow, but I myself determine just where the banks will go.” Much like the words of this poem by Cynthia Kelley, Camp HeartSong helps children to let go of their grief and to find peace and comfort with their loss.
CTMC Hospice Care hosted their 6th annual Camp HeartSong, a special bereavement camp for children who have suffered a significant death in their life. Forty-one children aged 8 - 17 were selected to attend the no cost three day bereavement camp in June held at John Knox Ranch.
Camp HeartSong provides bereaved children an opportunity to freely express grief in a safe, healing yet fun environment under the guidance of Joe Flores, LMSW, CTMC Hospice Bereavement Coordinator and Camp co-Director, through support groups and expressive arts and crafts. For example, campers decorated face masks and learned that it was okay to take the “mask” off and let out their feelings of grief. Other camp activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. During the closing ceremony, the campers release paper boats with special good-bye messages to their loved one into the river.
Lisa Adams, Camp Director and Public Relations Coordinator with CTMC Hospice Care, states “It’s amazing to see children who have lost their mother, father, sister or brother through illness or a tragic accident hugging and comforting one another. There are no words to describe this precious moment.”
Camp HeartSong is completely funded through contributions from the CTMC employee annual Seasons of Sharing campaign. It is one of the most recognizable ways CTMC extends its mission outside of its main campus each year.
For more pictures of the boat ceremony, please visit www.firesidephotography.net, courtesy of Chris and Kathleen Chomel of San Marcos. You can also view www.HisTouch.com and click on Camp HeartSong.
Please call (512) 754-6159 or (866) 754-6159 for more information regarding CTMC Hospice Care, Camp HeartSong, or to make a donation.