Often, a child who is grieving the loss of someone close to them is overshadowed by the trauma of the family death. Without intervention and support, a child in grief is subject to depression, behavior and learning difficulties and anti-social tendencies. Hospice of Spokane's children's grief programs are designed to meet the emotional needs of children in grief. Thanks to donations from our community, there are no fees for these programs.
Connections Child/Parent Grief Support Group
Fall, Oct. 11-Nov. 15
Wednesday nights
6:00-7:00 PM
Winter, Jan. 17-Feb. 21
Wednesday nights
6:00-7:00 PM
Spring, April 11-May 16
Wednesday nights
6:00-7:00 PM
Connections is a very special support group for youth (grades 1-12) who have experienced loss (through death) of someone close. Children are divided into age-appropriate groups and meet with an experienced Hospice of Spokane bereavement counselor.
A support group for the participants' parents (or the adults who care for them) is offered concurrently. This group, also led by a skilled Hospice of Spokane counselor, helps the child' s important parental figures to reflect on their own and their child(rens)' s grief, and find skillful ways to parent and support their child(ren) during this difficult time. Parents/guardians of children age 6 and under are welcome; childcare can be provided by arrangement.
The Connections program is designed to help children and the adults who love them:
" Find a safe environment for the expression of feelings
" Recognize that they are not alone in their grief
" Understand that grief is a normal expression of loss
" Learn about parenting a grieving child
Camp Chmepa
July 25, 26 and 27, 2008 on Lake Coeur d'Alene
Camp Chmepa is a fun, interactive experience for children in grief. It's intended to help children understand that they are not alone in their grief and that having fun is also part of healing. Every year approximately 40 children attend the camp. Thanks to generous donations from our community, we are able to offer this unique three-day camping experience at no charge.
Just like other camp experiences, Camp Chmepa provides a safe place for openness and friendship for all who attend. For many grieving children, this opportunity is priceless.
Camp Chmepa is led by Hospice of Spokane nurses and social workers who are specially trained in children's grief issues. We're proud to maintain a 2 ½ :1 staff-to-child ratio, which sets the tone for more effective interactions and experiences. Approximately two-thirds of the children who attend the camp have experienced a traumatic or sudden death of someone close to them, not a hospice-related or expected death.
The name of the camp was carefully chosen to represent the overarching goal of the experience. The word chmepa (juh-MEH-peh) is a Spokane Indian word with multiple meanings: a place where two rivers come together to meet, blend and become stronger; a special place of inclusion; and a connecting circle.
Camp Chmepa Volunteers needed! Click here for more information or for an application.
