Rice Grief Center and Rice Hospice at Rice Memorial Hospital will be hosting “Camp G.K. Bear” on Saturday, April 6 at Rice Auditorium (Lakeland Health Center) in Willmar.  This is a one-day camp for children who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives.  Camp G.K. Bear is centered around 4 main themes:  (1) the life/death cycle; (2) feelings; (3) memories; and (4) change and moving forward.

“We have seen an increasing need for a camp like this in this area.  Children are often overlooked in the grieving process.  We have structured the camp to accommodate the needs of children in our area,” said Mary Beth Potter, Rice Hospice director.  “We’ve designed the camp to provide one day of bereavement support and education to children, grades K-6.”

According to Brenda Wiese, Grief Center coordinator, “Our goal is to help the children understand the grief process and to teach them the skills necessary to help them heal.  And, of course, we’ll make sure that the children also participate in recreational and other fun activities.”

The camp staff includes:  Grief Center and Rice Hospice staff, with special assistance from Rice Hospice volunteers.

There is no charge for Camp G.K. Bear.  It is available for ALL children, grades K-6 who have experienced the death of a loved one.  Camp G.K. Bear is made possible through the support of Rice Memorial Hospital, Rice Health Foundation, United Way of West Central Minnesota, Montevideo Area United Way, Ortonville United Appeal, and private contributions.

For additional information and to register, please call Brenda Wiese at the Grief Center at (320) 231-4714.  Registration deadline is Friday, March 29.

Rice Hospice