Grief camp to offer children outlet after loss

By: Rusty Ray | SCNow
Published: March 18, 2009

Saturday could be the first day of the rest of many childrens' lives.

Heartland Hospice, along with Little River United Methodist Church, will present a grief camp for kids on Saturday, March 21. Health care professionals will provide an outlet for children to express their grief over any type of loss--the death of a parent, friend, the sudden move or loss of a home, or any situation that is causing them anger, pain, or even to feel guilt.

"Many children don't know how to express what they're feeling," said Carlene Glisson, a chaplain with Heartland Hospice in Conway. "It depends on the dynamics within the family, how much talk is allowed," she said.

The idea for the day-long camp came from Elaine Hoch, a social worker at Heartland Hospice.

"If you don't take time, even as an adult, to deal with grief, it's like a suitcase," said Hoch. "It'll pile up...until one day there will be something that makes your suitcase explode," she said.

The camp will use arts and crafts as one way for the children to express themselves, as well as feature a memorial service at the end of the day for the children, and their families, to share and grieve about what they've lost.

The camp runs from 9:45 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Little River United Methodist Church. It is free of charge, and registration is available at the door.

For more information, you can call (843) 248-2061.