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Camp offers bereavement opportunity for kids

Camp Skylark near Hope and Agassiz specifically tailored for children dealing with grief

The weekend of September 13-15 is a unique opportunity for children who have suffered a loss in their lives.

The 9th annual Camp Skylark takes place at Camp Squeah, 15 minutes north of Hope. The camp, originally started in 2005 by a group of volunteers, offers spaces for 25 children ages seven to 12 to attend camp at no cost, and have the chance to be a child again.

Grief is a complicated process, especially for children. Feelings of fear, depression, and abandonment are common, as is the impulse for children to take on the role of caregiver to adults in their lives left vulnerable by their own grief. Without bereavement opportunities specific to children, this masking of emotions can contribute to isolation and behavior problems at home or school.

Camp Skylark fills a unique void in that it combines bereavement activities tailored specifically to children with traditional camp activities that allow campers to release some of their stresses and have fun with other children who have also experienced a loss.

If you are interested in volunteering or if you know a child who would like to attend, contact Kim at 604-869-6253, email at campskylark@gmail.com or visit www.frasercanyonhospice.org/camp-skylark.html.