Camp New Dawn, Hospice of Queen Anne’s grief camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one, is set to kick off on August 14 and continue through August 16 at Camp Pecometh in Centreville. Applications are currently being accepted for campers and adult camp buddies.
The cost per camper for this 3-day, 2-night camp is $200; however, Hospice of Queen Anne’s only charges a $20 registration fee per camper. This ensures that every child who needs to attend camp may, even if they are unable to pay the registration fee; no child is turned away due to inability to pay.
“We rely solely on community donations, sponsorships and fundraisers to offset the expenses associated with our grief programs for children and teens,” said Rhonda Knotts, HQA grief services coordinator and Camp New Dawn Director.
One such fundraiser currently underway is the sale of notecards individually designed by grieving children who have attended Camp New Dawn. A package of 10 with 5 unique designs sells for $15.
Knotts said that children express their grief in many ways including art and journaling. “For that reason, we offer many opportunities at Camp New Dawn for the campers to be able to express their grief in creative and healthy ways,” she said.
Caring and compassionate adults who are willing to commit to support one or two bereaved youths during the camp may apply to become a Camp New Dawn buddy. Applicants must be 21 years or older and need to complete buddy training on Saturday, August 13 at Hospice of Queen Anne’s. Buddies find the camp a rewarding and fulfilling experience that they ultimately carry with them for the rest of their lives.
To support grief support programs for children and teens including Camp New Dawn, sponsorship levels range from $100 for Sponsor-A-Camper to $1,000 for a Food/Beverage sponsorship. To download a registration form or purchase notecards, visit the web site at www.hospiceofqueenannes.org and click on Camp New Dawn. Parents of campers, volunteers and potential buddies may also pre-register by contacting Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or rknotts@hospiceofqueenannes.org.
Hospice of Queen Anne’s grief services and support programs extend to youth in Queen Anne’s County through school-based grief support groups (elementary through high school); counseling for individuals and children at school or home; and Camp New Dawn, a 3-day overnight camp for ages 4-17.
In photo: Sample notecards designed by campers attending Camp New Dawn. Notecard pictured on left was designed by a 10 year-old girl whose mother died last year; notecard above was designed by a 13 year-old teenage girl whose brother died at the age of 10.