Harbor Hospice has been offering Camp Courage for 22 years as a way to help children and their families after the death of a loved one. Loss is difficult at any age and it can be even harder for children who have not yet developed the emotional tools necessary to help them work through grief. Children react to grief in a variety of ways. Some reactions can be very destructive, such as acting out or fighting, missing school, decreased self-esteem, and/or emotional regression or feelings of isolation.

Harbor Hospice staff and trained volunteers show children that they are not alone in their grief and that feeling sad is a normal part of losing a loved one. Children learn effective coping techniques to help them journey through grief in healthy ways. Children participate in all of the typical camping activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking and campfires, along with specialized activities designed to address how to handle grief.

Camp Courage, a sleep-away camping experience for children ages 6-12, is held at Pioneer Trails on Big Blue Lake in Muskegon County beginning Friday, June 26, 2015 at 10:00 am through Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Application deadline is May 28, 2015. There is a $10 registration fee; however, there are no additional charges for camp. For more information or to register, contact Stephanie Weesies or Amy Cunningham at 231.728.3442 or 800.497.9559 or email info@HarborHospiceMI.org or visit our website at HarborHospiceMI.org.