DoveTales: Bereavement Camp for Children

Bereavement Camp for Children slated for Oct. 12, 2019

 

Love, Laughter and Leisure are the basic needs of all children, especially those who have experienced the death of a loved one.  Hospice of Washington County’s DoveTales is a camp experience designed to pair children who are grieving with adults who can offer support and guidance. The adult volunteer acts as a “Big Buddy”, providing individual attention to the child for the entire camp experience. All camp volunteers are specially screened and trained.

 

“The camp is designed to gently teach coping skills and help build self-esteem and trust. It also offers a safe, comfortable environment for children to express their grief,” stated HWC’s Bereavement Counselor Maria Reed. “Through interactions with other children and adults, the children experience the universality of loss and learn that they are not alone in their grief.” Ms. Reed added “We have changed the name of the camp to DoveTales. We wanted to showcase the camp is nurturing and is about the stories of each child.” Bereavement Counselors and trained volunteers will facilitate group activities that include sharing stories and creating crafts to honor their loved ones. Special seasonal recreational activities are built into this camp experience too! The children will enjoy pumpkin painting, a hayride, as well as a visit with therapeutic horses and other farm animals. This year we will host a special family dinner to culminate the day.

 

Camp will be held on Saturday, October 12 at Cornerstone Community Church located at 20519 Beaver Creek Road in Hagerstown. “If you know of a child who might benefit, please share this information or if you are a caring, compassionate individual who wants to touch the heart of a child who is grieving, please consider volunteering for this special day camp,” explained Ms. Reed.

 

Special training is provided for all 2019 DoveTale volunteers, and it is essential that volunteers be available for the training/screening which will take place on Monday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please note camp volunteers do not have to be current Hospice of Washington County volunteers.

 

If you have any questions or to request an application for a camper or volunteer, please contact the Bereavement Department at Hospice of Washington County at 301-791-6360 or visit www.hospiceofwc.org/events/dovetales-grieving-camp-children to download a camp or volunteer application.