Camp Encourage Supports Grieving Children

Perhaps one of the most exciting events over the past year was our Camp Encourage workshops held in June. Two groups of children, all sharing the common thread of experiencing the loss of a loved one, gathered during workshops held
on Friday and Saturday afternoon. Each child was paired with an EverHeart staff member who was their designated “Buddy” for the day.

Through fun art projects and activities, the kids had time to open up to their buddies and each other about their feelings of grief and loss. Sarah DePoy, Camp Director and Bereavement Coordinator at EverHeart Hospice, led the camp and discussions before each activity, relating colors to emotions and how one might feel during their grief journey. Sarah shared, “To have Camp Encourage in person again after being unable to for a couple of years due to the
pandemic was such an honor. Seeing the interaction between the campers and volunteers reiterated the need and
purpose of Camp Encourage.”