Hope HealthCare Services, dedicated to comfort and support for individuals and families facing life-limiting illness, offers assistance to youngsters coping with the loss of a loved one through its upcoming Rainbow Trails Camp program.Scheduled Friday, Oct. 12 to Sunday, Oct. 14 at Riverside Retreat, 7305 County Rd. 78 in LaBelle, the free program for children ages 6-16 provides an understanding of the grief process, skills to cope with grief and loss, and an opportunity to memorialize and say goodbye to a loved one.
Campers will depart Hopes’ administrative office at 9470 HealthPark Circle in Fort Myers Friday afternoon and return Sunday afternoon. Upon arrival, kids are introduced to the counselors who are Hope professionals, school counselors, teachers and volunteers who have completed a special Rainbow Trails education series. Camp festivities include creative, stress-reducing activities including crafts, swimming and singing.
“The camp provides a special place for children to interact with others who understand,” said Cape Coral resident Kristi Buck. Kristi’s daughter Molly attended the camp at the age of 10 following the passing of her father, Duane (Butch), who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2007.
Molly explained that the camp was very helpful because she was surrounded by other young people close to her age and in similar situations.
“It was easy to make new friends on the bus trip, at dinner and at the last-day-bash because we all had a loss in common,” said Molly. “The counselors made sure we were comfortable and had a good time. From the bus ride to the closing prayer service, the entire experience is one that I will never forget.”
including musical therapy, arts and crafts. The free program for children ages
6-16 provides an understanding of the grief process, skills to cope with grief
and loss and an opportunity to memorialize and say goodbye to a loved one.
For more information about Rainbow Trails Camp, contact Kay Kelly at 855-454-3104 or visit www.hopehospice.org/rainbowtrailscamp.
