HELPING HEAL: Camp Heal offers children a way to grieve and cope through a safe and fun environment.

THOMASVILLE- The loss of a grandparent, parent, sibling or friend may occur sometime in a child’s early years. Losing a loved one is difficult at any age but is especially hard on a child. Knowing how to help kids cope with loss can be difficult, especially when dealing with the loss of a family member.

Next month, Archbold Hospice will host their annual Camp H.E.A.L. (Healing and Encouragement After Loss), a bereavement day camp that helps children ages 6 to 12 to learn to cope with the loss of a loved one by providing a safe and fun environment where they can express themselves while meeting others dealing with a similar situation.

The day camp, funded through designated gifts to the Archbold Foundation, is free and open to children who have experienced a loss.

“Camp H.E.A.L. provides children a unique opportunity to learn that they are not alone in their grief and that support is available,” said Sheri Walters, Archbold Hospice administrator. “The camp offers emotional support, activities to memorialize loved ones while learning healthy ways to cope with grief through arts and crafts, music and games.”

Camp H.E.A.L. will be held on September 23 at Cornerstone Church of Christ in Thomasville. Registration is required for the camp.

Registration for campers is open, and the deadline to register is September 1, or until camper registration is at capacity.

For more information about registering a camper or becoming a Camp H.E.A.L. volunteer, please call Archbold Hospice at 229.584.5505 or visit archbold.org/campheal.