Tift child bereavement camp set for Feb. 23

TIFTON — The time following a death is often filled with emotional turmoil, chaos and change, especially for children. Sometimes parents or guardians need help guiding their children through the grieving process and beginning the journey toward recovery.

Hospice of Tift Area is holding Camp Reflections to address this need. A special support session for children coping with grief, this one-day session will be held at the Tift Regional Community Events Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 23.

“Grief sometimes presents as shock, pain, anger, sorrow and loneliness in children,” Kathy Moneypenny, bereavement coordinator and chaplain with Hospice of Tift Area, said. “Over time, and with support, these emotions may lessen and not appear as frequently.

“Facilitated by professional staff members, this free day camp is designed to help children who are dealing with grief and offers a supportive environment.”

Moneypenny said activities for children include expressions through creative arts.

“We encourage the children to create a special keepsake and convey grief through writing, drawing, painting or singing,” she said. “We also hold special team-building exercises so children can learn to better communicate and interact with others through the grieving process.”

Moneypenny said Camp Reflections is recommended for any child between first and sixth grade who recently suffered the loss of a loved one.

“You can’t protect your kids from the pain of loss, but you can help build healthy coping skills,” she said.

For more information or to register, visit the calendar of events at www.tiftregional.com, send an email to [email protected] or call (229) 353-6330. The Tift Regional Community Events Center is located in Tifton at 1657 S. Carpenter Road, adjoining the Tiftarea YMCA.

Jennifer Parks