WINTER 2022
Camp Hope Helps Kids Struggling with Loss In September, Bluegrass Care Navigators hosted our annual
Camp Hope, a free one-day children’s bereavement camp
that is geared toward meeting the grief-care needs of children and youth who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Camp Hope is designed to help children express their grief in a positive and supportive environment; develop healthy and effective coping strategies in a fun, safe, and
“I felt free after the campfire.” The children participating in Camp Hope are supported by a team of caring adults who have years of experience with children’s bereavement. We ensure that the camp provides a safe place and supportive environment. Camp Hope gives children a healthy start on their journey of bereavement. BCN team members and volunteers enjoyed watching the young campers bond over shared experiences and develop new friendships.
“I made a friend.”
supportive setting; and
Not only are they guided by the adult camp leaders, but the
receive the training and tools
children participating in Camp Hope have opportunities to help
they need to deal with their
each other through facilitated activities that engage them in
loss now and well into the
supporting their peers who have a shared common experience.
future.
Similarly, the adult parents and guardians who attend Camp
“I felt I was safe from judgment and could be myself.”
Hope with their children are able to engage in conversations with each other while learning ways to support their family through the grieving process.
“I don’t feel alone anymore.” Camp Hope would not be possible without the generous
2022 Camp Hope took place
support of our Caring Community and Sponsors. It is because
in Beattyville, Kentucky, at
of this generosity that we are able to offer this amazing
the Kentucky Mountain
opportunity at no charge to campers and their guardians. We
Mission Youth Haven Camp.
are truly grateful for their commitment to helping us provide the
Thirty-four children and
resources and skills these kids need for their future.
their guardians from all over Kentucky participated in camp this year. For the first time in two-years, we were excited to hold Camp Hope in-person, where kids participated in activities together that included music, memorial rock painting, expressing emotions through art, emoji games to identify feelings, and a memorial campfire to cap off a spectacular day.