ColinandMaddy
The word “camp” brings an enormous smile to Colin’s face and his eyes double in size. “Camp was magical,” said Colin. “There’s a spirit there and no outside distractions. You feel like you’re in a different world.” Shortly after the unexpected death of their dad, Colin (age 16) and his sister Maddy (age 9), began their journey of healing and hope by participating in the Children’s Bereavement Program at The Elizabeth Hospice. They each attend a peer support group where they connect with their peers who also experienced the death of a loved one. Colin and Maddy were among the children and teens who attended The Elizabeth Hospice’s summer bereavement camp. This camp is open to all grieving children in the community and is offered free of charge. “Camp definitely changed me,” said Colin, “At camp, you can say things without people adding their thoughts. You tell your story and let it sink in. Everyone feels your story and you feel their support.” Maddy’s favorite part of camp was the plate-breaking workshop where kids write messages about their anger, worries and stressors on a plate and send it soaring to a rock wall. “I got rid of everything I don’t want in this world anymore,” said Maddy. “The Elizabeth Hospice is giving Colin and Maddy something I can’t give them,” explained their mother, Wendy. “At group and camp, they are surrounded by kids who know what their type of sadness feels like. Every child should have the opportunity to learn skills and coping mechanisms for grieving that don’t come naturally.”
“Every child should have the opportunity to learn skills and coping mechanisms for grieving that don’t come naturally.”
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