DoveTales Children's Grief Camp Goes Virtual

Hospice of Washington County and Franklin Hospice will be hosting a virtual camp for children ages 6 to 13 who are coping with the death of a loved one. The camp is DoveTales and is an educational and nurturing experience for children to share their stories and meet others who understand.

 

“Due to COVID-19 and considerations for the safety of our children and community, DoveTales 2020 will be held virtually instead of face-to-face like a traditional camp,” stated Maria Reed, Bereavement Counselor. “The bereavement team is excited to announce a partnership with BEACON House Inc. to create a weekly virtual and interactive program for children and families for the Fall 2020.”

 

All participants who register for the program will receive a special care package including a DoveTales t-shirt, canvas bag, workbook, comfort blanket, and all the art and craft materials needed to complete weekly activities. 

 

“BEACON House, Inc. is so excited to work with Hospice of Washington County for the development and launch of DoveTales Grief Camp in a virtual format this year!” stated Anthony Williams, Founder/Chief Executive Officer/Chief Creative Officer of BEACON House, Inc. “Hospice has touched many lives in the area during the most difficult moments of life. And it has helped make the passing of a loved one easier, I know this personally because Hospice was there before my grandmother passed to provide services. My family is eternally grateful for their support. We chose to take on this project with Hospice because we wanted to be able to support youth and families to find a way to positively deal with grief so they can focus on their learning and academic achievement which is our mission." BEACON House, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a mission to increase access, awareness, and achievement in STEAM Education as well as healthy living through their health insurance navigation services.

 

DoveTales will officially kick off as a web-based program on Friday, October 30, 2020 and be facilitated for a total of six consecutive weeks. Families will be invited to complete creative activities focused on grief education, as well as participate in live video sessions via Zoom to meet bereavement counselors, mentors, and other families for support each week. Children and families will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections, as well as learn effective and practical skills for coping with their grief.

 

“We are also in need of volunteers who will have the opportunity to be a virtual Big Buddy and a mentor to children and families via the online program,” explained Maria Reed. ‘Training and education will be provided to all volunteers.”

DoveTales is offered at no cost to families. Registration is open to children and families who reside in Washington County, Maryland as well as Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The deadline for camper registrations and volunteer applications is Friday, October 16, 2020. Go to www.hospiceofwc.org to complete the online form.  

 

Please contact Maria Reed, Bereavement Counselor, at mdreed@hospiceofwc.org for more information or call 301-791-6360.