Hospice of Queen Anne’s is offering its sixteenth annual Camp New Dawn for children and teens. We are asking for referrals of children who are experiencing grief to attend camp, adults to be buddies, and donations for materials to be used at camp (in particular: fishing gear and supplies, craft supplies, t-shirts, camping necessities, and equipment for othe extra curricular activities).

A Time to Heal… Camp New Dawn 2010

When a child loses a loved one, who do they turn to? What feelings go through their young minds? What can we do to help them in their grieving process? The goal of our inexpensive annual bereavement camp is to give area children an enjoyable, accepting and supportive environment in which they can freely express their feelings about the loss of a loved one. Often, kids feel the need to appear strong to maintain order in their lives. They don’t wish to burden those they love who are also grieving. Our camp will give them the opportunity to share with other kids who have also lost someone loved, and to learn more about how to handle the difficult emotions of grief. They can learn these things in a FUN way within a loving, caring atmosphere, in a carefree camp setting.

Under the guidance of professional bereavement staff, campers have the opportunity to meet with other children who have experienced similar losses, and to engage in activities involving art, music and recreation through which they can explore their grief. Support groups are also a part of the day camp, enabling the children to explore their grief.

Camp New Dawn is available to any child between the ages of 4 and 18 who lives in Queen Anne’s County and is experiencing normal grief following the death of a primary family member. The overnight camp (for ages 7-18) will be held at Camp Pecometh on Tuesday 8/17-Thurs, 8/19. There will be a day camp for children who are between the ages of 4 & 6. The day camp will be on Wed, 8/18 from 9:30-4:30, and will include lunch, swimming, grief related activities, and a fun filled day.

Also, if you or someone that you know is interested in being a “Buddy” for Camp New Dawn, we would love to hear from you. A “Buddy” is an individual who commits to supporting one or two youths during the 48 hour camp by building a trusting and nurturing relationship. Our buddies find the camp a rewarding and fulfilling experience that they ultimately carry with them for the rest of their lives. By being a buddy, you will be helping a child/children learn how to cope with their grief and move forward in their healing process. (Buddies must be 18 years or older)

For registration and applications, or to make a donation, please contact Rhonda Knotts, Camp New Dawn Coordinator, at Hospice of Queen Anne’s, 443-262-4100, ext. 124 or at rknotts@hospiceofqueenannes.org.