Kaweah Health Hospice set to host Oct. 23 camp to offer children hope and healing

Kaweah Health Hospice set to host Oct. 23 camp to offer children hope and healing

VISALIA – Children who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives are invited to learn how to cope with grief and find healing on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Kaweah Health Hospice’s “Good Grief Camp” in Visalia.

The free camp, intended for children (first through sixth grade) and a parent or guardian, will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Visalia Nazarene Church, 3333 W. Caldwell Ave.; attendees will receive a camp T-shirt and lunch. To register, call 733-0642. Out of an abundance of caution, children will be asked to wear masks.

“This camp gives children a chance to learn how to understand their feelings and how to positively express themselves or talk about their feelings,” said Kent Mishler, Director of Chaplain Services at Kaweah Health. “These children may be dealing with sadness, but grief camp is not sad. There are serious moments, but we have fun making crafts and even throwing water balloons.”

The camp, led by people trained in child development, mental health and education, provides a safe space for children to explore grief and embrace healing. During the camp, children are taught coping skills through games, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. They are also taught that they are not alone in their grief. A parent or guardian is required to accompany their child and will attend a workshop to learn how to help their child through this time.

Good Grief Camp is sponsored by Kaweah Health Hospice and is provided free of charge thanks to the support of the Kaweah Health Hospital Foundation, an independent non-profit fundraising organization that exists to support Kaweah Health’s Hospice program, along with individuals in the community who have made contributions to underwrite the camp. Kaweah Health Hospice is a not-for-profit hospice that provides end-of-life services for adults and children in Tulare and Kings counties.