Hospice Camp Evergreen to be held at Camp Harrison
10/1/2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tammy G. Love
Director of Marketing & Medical Staff Development
Phone: (336) 651-8116
HOSPICE CAMP EVERGREEN TO BE HELD AT CAMP HARRISON
Camp Evergreen is a one day experience for children and youth in grades one through 12 who have experienced the death of someone close. The day is designed to give participants an opportunity to express feelings about their loss and to learn that grief is a normal and ongoing process. This year it will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2005. Because this is a teacher workday, students in the public schools will not have classes. While there is no fee for attending, pre-registration is required so that supplies and food can be prepared. Registration forms may be obtained from Wilkes school counselors or coming to or calling the Hospice office at West Park in North Wilkesboro.
For the first time Camp Evergreen will be held at Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge. Hospice staff, school counselors and Camp Harrison staff are combining their expertise collaborating to create a program of activities that will challenge campers.
The desired outcome is that all participants can reflect what one 11 year old girl in the past said about the day, "I learned I could do some things that I didn’t know I could!"
Participants are divided into groups by grade so that when they talk about feelings and what has happened, they are with others who can relate. While focus is on having fun, every activity is also organized to help stimulate thought and insight. The typical reaction when it’s time to leave is for a camper to ask, "When are you doing this again?" and "Can I come back?" Since loss must be reworked as a person grows and matures, Camp Evergreen welcomes campers who wish to increase their understanding of a death regardless of when it occurred.
United Way Contributions, community support and donations to Hospice "Support a Child" for $25.00 allow participants to attend Camp Evergreen at no charge. For the parent meal, there may be a small fee for the parent-camper supper.
Parents or guardians should take their child to Herring Ridge by 8:30 a.m. the day of camp, or bring them to the Hospice office by 7:30 a.m. Peace Haven Baptist Church is helping provide bus transportation to camp. Registration must be completed before participants can be left by parents in either location. All parents are invited to join campers and staff at 4:00 p.m. for parent seminar, supper and closing activities. The day will finish at 7:00. Parents should meet campers who return on the bus at the office by 7:30 p.m.
Camp Evergreen has been well received in the past by participants and those who care about them. A school counselor commented that one boy the day after camp was visibly lighter and seemed as if a weight had been lifted off him. Another parent stated that her son would spend time in his room going through the memory box he made at Camp Evergreen whenever he felt sad and missed his father. It seemed to soothe him and help him feel better.
This year, because of the collaboration with Camp Harrison, the teenagers will be able to do the ropes course available on the grounds. Younger campers will have other options for outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, or the climbing wall.
Hospice is a team of professionals who specialize in providing hope and care with dignity for someone who is not expected to live more than six months. They provide emotional support to the family as well. Hospice assists patients to remain at home in their final months and days where they can enjoy comfort and peace near family and loved ones. Hospice of Wilkes Regional Center is a United Way Agency. Referrals for services can be made by anyone by calling 336-903-7700.
