COOL CAMP GIVES AREA CHILDREN CHANCE TO EXPRESS GRIEF FOR DECEASED RELATIVES

COOL Camp, a one-day bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Deerfield Lodge off Interstate 55.

The goal of the camp is to provide education and understanding about the grief process so children can better express their feelings and cope with what has happened, said Lynn Boren with Southeast Hospice, which is sponsoring the camp.

"Participants are around other kids and people in tune with what it feels like to go through the death of a loved one," Boren said. "It lets kids see they are not alone, that there are other kids going through the same thing."

Age-specific activities at the camp will include feeling activities aimed at understanding the emotions that can accompany a death; memory books, in which participants write about the deceased; a discussion of coping techniques; and entertainment and recreational activities.

At the end of the day, there is a balloon release. On a slip of paper, participants write a message to the deceased person or the world and send it away in a balloon.

This is the first time for the camp. For the past three years, Southeast Hospice has offered a COOL Company support group offered periodically on six consecutive Saturdays. But organizers found that it was difficult for people to commit to coming to all six sessions. So they are trying the one-day camp format.

If it is successful, the camp may be offered several times per year instead of the support group.

The camp is funded through donations to Southeast Hospice and fund-raising activities, like an upcoming jazz concert Sept. 24 and a festival in Arena Park Sept. 25.

There is a $10 fee for COOL Camp, but it is returned if the child participates in the camp. The camp includes lunch, snacks and a T-shirt.

Deadline for registering is Sept. 4. For information call Southeast Hospice at 335-6208 or (888) 397-0646.