Back to List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shirley Freyer
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Tel: 1-724-352-1571 x8266
sfreyer@concordialm.org

Camp Good Sam Reaches Out to Grieving Children/Adolescents

Cabot, PA – When it comes to a person’s ability to cope with the grief of losing a loved one, there are many programs and support groups aimed at helping adults find peace. Often, however, the needs of children and adolescents are overlooked – which is why Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, hosted its first bereavement camp Aug. 17-18.

The camp, which was held at the Spencer YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee in Fombell, PA, hosted 13 campers, ages 6-18. The purpose was to build trust, enhance positive self-esteem, and strengthen coping skills; concepts one mother said were ultimately rewarding for her three children who had recently lost their father.

“The kids collectively thought this was the best camp in the world because there were so many kids who shared the same feelings about a loved one passing away,” she said. “My one son bonded with another young camper who lost his father and they were able to openly share their memories and feelings, which is something he felt he was unable to do with friends at home.”

During the first day, the children, who were paired with specially trained volunteers, worked together as teams, bonding and conquering activities such as low ropes, a complicated labyrinth, and a game of kickball. Working individually, they created dream catchers and pictures or stories expressing their feelings and thoughts of their deceased loved ones.

Saturday found the parents/guardians in a “Nature of Grief Conference” with Good Samaritan Hospice bereavement counselor Paul Graycar. Everyone then participated in a memorial service, during which each camper presented a rose and shared a memory of their loved one if they wanted. They then lit candles and shared pictures of their deceased loved one with the other families, staff, and volunteers.

The service concluded with each camper shoveling some dirt around the newly acquired maple tree, which was donated by Dambach’s Lake Forest Gardens, Inc. The counselors reminded the campers that their memories and love will be the extra nourishment needed for this tree to grow strong and tall.

The first annual Camp Good Sam wrapped up as campers and their families wrote messages on balloons and released them toward the heavens.

Sue Duderstadt, special events coordinator for Good Samaritan Hospice, said GSH is planning on extending the camp next year to a three night overnight experience. She said many campers and families expressed great interest in returning next year.

Click here for photos