Camp Braveheart helps children deal with loss

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LOGAN COUNTY – Universal Home Health & Hospice hosted Camp Braveheart at Marmon Valley Farm, Zanesfield, June 14-16. School counselors from Union, Champaign, Logan and Hardin counties recommended 50 children, ages 5 to 13, who had experienced the death of a relative or close friend.

The camp is free for the children thanks to the United Way and fundraising, with meals supplied by local restaurants.

Cheryl Varian of Universal Home Health said the goal is for children leave knowing the following: “One, it is alright to grieve, and two, it is alright to have fun. The children learn things won’t be the same again, but they can have joy in their new normal.”

Counselor Phil Forsythe said the camp is a positive experience for the campers, counselors and farm staff. They listen to whatever the children feel comfortable sharing about the loss of the person close to their heart. The Marmon Valley staff are wonderful in reinforcing the message to the campers as did the Columbus Zoo staff who brought animals for them to see.

The campers do crafts, in part, to help them learn to cope with loss. They also ride horses, tend farm animals and play games. They held a memorial service before they left, ending with a colorful balloon release.

A grief camp was held in March for teens, ages 14-18, with 12 teens attending. For more information about both camps contact Universal Home Health & Hospice at 937-592-1605.

Campers work on their crafts.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2017/07/web1_2017-106.jpgCampers work on their crafts. Tami Wenger | Contributing photographer

Campers participate in a memorial service balloon launch.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2017/07/web1_2017-229.jpgCampers participate in a memorial service balloon launch. Tami Wenger | Contributing photographer

By Tami Wenger

Contributing writer

Tami Wenger is a regular contributor to this newspaper.

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