Summer Camps Provide Grief Support for Children

Riding Through Grief helps children process their grief by working with horses. 

Looking for a summer camp to support a grieving child or teen? Western Reserve Grief Services offers Together We Can grief support camps. The camps connect children with peers who have also experienced a loss, and incorporate art, music, play and nature exploration. They are led by trained children’s grief support specialists from Hospice of the Western Reserve. No family experience with hospice is required to attend.

“Children tend to process their grief differently than adults,” said Diane Snyder Cowan, Bereavement Center Director. “The camps are tailored to support needs in a way that is beneficial and comforting for each age level. They provide a ‘safe zone’ where kids can feel comfortable sharing big emotions and where they can ask questions in a supportive environment. Camp activities encourage memories and the expression of feelings.”

At Riding Through Grief (ages 8-12), June 24-28, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, children explore grief issues through riding and working with horses. Offered in collaboration with Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, 16497 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, the cost is $75 per camper (scholarships available). Registration is due May 31.

Red Oak, 9057 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, is a three-day grief camp (ages 6-13). Transportation is provided from two locations. Activities include commemorative crafts, drum circles and storytelling to encourage memories, coping skills and the expression of feelings. The cost is $25/camper (scholarships available). Registration is due July 8.

“There’s nothing better than seeing all these kids who have experienced so many different losses come together in a beautiful natural 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.

More information and applications for both camps are available by calling 216.486.6838.