Express Yourself Camp: Summer Grief Camp for Children Struggling with Loss
Grief is a powerful emotional and physical reaction to the loss of someone or something. It can be a complex emotion to process, and for children and teens, it is no different.
For more than a decade, Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice has collaborated with the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri to host an annual summer camp to help area youth deal with the unique feelings of grief. Girl Scout membership is not required.
Express Yourself Camp is designed for kids ages 5 – 14 who have experienced a loss or change, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce in the family, moving or losing a home, loss of friendships, the death of a pet, or a serious illness. The camp is also geared to help children who experienced or have been affected by a tragedy, such as the events that unfolded following the Chiefs victory parade earlier this year.
Express Yourself Camp
- June 10 – 11
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Open to boys and girls ages 5 – 14
- Camp Prairie Schooner, 15300 Ess Rd., Kansas City, MO 64136
- $50 registration fee; receive a $10 discount when registering a sibling
- Register now through June 2
The camp is led by professionally trained staff, including grief counselors and volunteers, and provides a safe environment for youth to learn different ways to express their feelings of loss. There will be age-appropriate activities to promote healthy coping skills including music therapy, adventure programming, arts and crafts, skits, and a closing ceremony. Lunch and snacks are provided.
If you have a question about the camp, please contact Melissa Tinklepaugh, Saint Luke’s Hospice Community Events Coordinator, at 816-502-8901.
For more information about other grief services offered by Saint Luke's Home Care and Hospice, please call the bereavement office at Saint Luke's Hospice House at 816-502-8917.
