LAUREL HILL — The death of a parent, family member or friend is difficult at any age, but it can be especially traumatic for children.
Hospice of Scotland County’s Camp Spinoza, scheduled for June 5-7 at Monroe Camp and Retreat Center in Laurel Hill, helps children ages 5 to 12 understand and cope with the emotions involved in grief. Children are encouraged to share their stories of personal loss with each other during the two-night camp, while also taking part in traditional camp activities like swimming, crafts, music and creative dance. Trained counselors lead all activities, and the camp is offered free of charge.
Tanya Williams, Bereavement Coordinator, says Camp Spinoza opens the door for children to talk about grief in a safe, supportive environment.
“The goal of the entire weekend is to help children understand that they have a support system,” says Williams. “Camp Spinoza offers children a chance to get out in a relaxing environment where they can sort through their emotions and be with others who are experiencing the same thing.”
Camp Spinoza will begin at 6 p.m., Friday, June 5 with an orientation session, and concludes with a closing session at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, June 7. The camp is open to any child between 5 and 12 years of age who has experienced the death of a loved one in the past year. The child should live in Hospice of Scotland County’s service area, which includes the North Carolina counties of Scotland, Hoke, Richmond and Robeson, and the South Carolina counties of Marlboro, Dillon and Chesterfield.
For registration information, or for questions, contact Tanya Williams at Hospice of Scotland County at 910-276-7176, or toll-free at 877-276-7176. Or visit www.scotlandhospice.org and click on the Camp Spinoza tab under the Events & Community menu. A downloadable camper application is available under this tab.
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