Registration Open for Camps and Events to Help Children Coping with Grief

Looking for a camp to meet the needs of a grieving child or teen? Hospice of the Western Reserve offers camps and events in several convenient Northern Ohio locations to help children share their feelings and ask questions in a safe, supportive environment. A variety of activities are led by trained grief support professionals experienced in working with children. Planned activities encourage memories, coping skills and the expression of feelings.

The camps and grief support events are offered to the community at large by the Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center in Cleveland and the Robertson Bereavement Center in Medina. They are made possible through the generous support of the Conway Family Foundation, Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve, CRL David Foundation, the Goldner Family and many individuals.

“There’s nothing better than seeing all these kids who have experienced so many different losses come together in a beautiful setting to share stories, learn new ways to handle their grief, and have fun with other children who understand what they’re going through,” said Karen Hatfield, Team Leader for Counseling Services.

Here is a list of upcoming camps:

June 11 (Saturday), 3 -7 p.m.

Together We Can Family Day at the Beach

Mentor Headlands

Headlands Beach State Park

9601 Headlands Road, Mentor

Registration: Call Felicia Dunlop by May 28 at 216.486.6335.

Families of all ages are welcome for fun and festivities at Mentor Headlands focused on honoring the lives of loved ones. Participants may come for the day or stay for part of the day.Activities will include beach volleyball, sand sculpture, drum circles, art tables, jewelry making and leather crafts and a labyrinth.  This event is free and open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one, but registration is required.

June 20-23 (Mon.-Thurs.), 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Together We Can Medina

Krabill Shelter at Chippewa Lake, Medina County Parks

7597 Ballash Rd., Medina (Lafayette Township)

Registration: Contact the Robertson Bereavement Center at 330.725.1900. Registration materials are due by May 28. 

This four-day day camp is for children ages 6-13 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Together We Can is led by experienced facilitators in art, music and play activities. Registration is required.

July 14 (Thurs.), 6-7:30 p.m.

Making Memories Family Day

Hospice of the Western Reserve Ashtabula Office

1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula

Registration: Contact Susan Hamme at 440.997.6619 or shamme@hospicewr.org by July 6.

Families with children of any age are invited to attend for an afternoon of crafts, sharing and memories. Memory box painting, memory frames and stepping stones will be available to create and take home. Participants will spend time sharing memories and stories with others while creating special commemorative projects. The event ends with a balloon release in honor of loved ones. Registration is required.

October 15-16 (Sat.-Sun. – drop-off/pick-up times to be announced)

Together We Can Overnight

Red Oak Camp

9057 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland

Cost: $25/camper registration fee; scholarships available

Registration: Call Felicia Dunlop at 216.486.6335. Registration materials are due by Sept. 16.

Together We Can Overnight camp is for children ages 8-14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Led by experienced facilitators, campers will participate in activities to express feelings, encourage memory-making, promote coping, and have fun. The setting and activities available at Red Oak Camp have been a favorite of Together We Can campers for many years.  Registration is required.