Fun and friendship are part of the healing experience of Camp New Dawn, a grief support camp offered by Compass Regional Hospice for children, teens and the adults.
Registration is now open for the 22nd Camp New Dawn healing retreat offered by Compass Regional Hospice at Camp Pecometh.
Camp New Dawn is one of the programs offered through the Compass Regional Hospice Hope & Healing Center. Rhonda Knotts, MSCC, director of Camp New Dawn and grief services coordinator for Compass Regional Hospice, says, “The grief support programs we offer recognize that grief looks different for each person. We also know that when we care for one member of a family we are caring for the whole family. Our job is to respect each person’s ability to navigate the grief journey.”
Camp New Dawn kicks off on Saturday, August 13, at 12:30 pm, when campers aged seven through 17 arrive at Camp Pecometh in Centreville. A day camp for children aged four through six is held on Monday, August 15, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The campers play and work together through the closing celebration on Monday, August 15 at 4:30 pm.
The Camp New Dawn family retreat begins on Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 pm, when parents of campers arrive for an overnight session with their peers. During the second half of the family camp the adults and children play, talk and learn together. They take home experiences and skills that help them heal as they honor the memory of their departed loved ones. Family camp ends on Tuesday, August 16 at 7:00pm.
Knotts says, “Kids of all ages interact at the beginning of the weekend as they participate in therapeutic workshops. They get to see that other young people understand what it feels like to lose someone they love.”
The workshops for young people are designed to give the campers options that meet their interests and skills. Some workshops revolve around music. Others use art and physical activities.
“All of the workshops offer a lesson that the campers can take from the experience,” Knotts says. “For example, using a sling shot the children learn to let go of loneliness, negative emotions and thoughts that linger following the death of a sibling, parent, friend or other special person.”
After working with campers of different ages, the children move into age-specific support groups. “The opening workshops get campers ready to talk with their peers about their experiences of loss,” Knotts explains. “The volunteers who lead these age-specific groups are trained to create an environment that is safe, loving and comfortable. They do a great job of connecting activities to the personal story each camper shares.”
Volunteers make Camp New Dawn possible. The most visible volunteers are the buddies who are paired up with a camper. Other volunteers lead workshops, art activities and outdoors events. Another group of volunteers welcome campers, manage registration, set up and break down workshops, prepare and serve food, and make sure that everyone is where they need to be.
All volunteers are screened and trained to ensure the safety, confidentiality and respect for each Camp New Dawn participant.
The cost of Camp New Dawn is $30 for each child or teen and $75 for each family. These fees represent a fraction of the actual cost of operating Camp New Dawn. To become a sponsor or make a donation toward the cost of Camp New Dawn, contact Kenda Leager, development officer, Compass Regional Hospice, at 443-262-4106, [email protected].
Learn more about Camp New Dawn and volunteer opportunities by contacting Rhonda Knotts, 443-262-4109, [email protected] or visit compassregionalhospice.org/campnewdawn.
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