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Camp G.K. Bear

Aware of the great need for grief support for children in West Central Minnesota, The Grief Center at Rice Memorial Hospital offers a multi-site summer grief camp for kids in grades 1-6 called Camp G.K. Bear.

Through generous donations, grants and the help of Rice Hospice volunteers, Camp G.K. Bear is offered free of charge. This camp provides children an opportunity to better understand their own grieving process as well as taking part in some fun activities

The day's program for the camp centers around for main themes:

  • the life/death cycle
  • feelings
  • memories
  • change and moving forward

The children create a "Memory Box" to collect items that belonged to the person(s) who died and are special to the child. A workbook was specifically designed that would be partially worked on during camp and then completed at home

The 2008 Winter Camp G.K. Bear date will be:
Saturday, March 8
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Willmar, MN
10am - 3pm

 

One parent commented, "Thank you--it was all my kids could talk about for 4 hours. I think it helped them know that they are not the only kids who have lost someone close."

In 1998 Camp G.K. Bear received the "Innovation of the Year Award for Patient Care Enhancement." from the Minnesota Hospital and Healthcare Partnership.

For more information contact:

Brenda Wiese , The Grief Center Coordinator
bwie@rice.willmar.mn.us
320.231.4714

 

 

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