Kourage Kids Grief Camp: Helping Grieving Kids Heal
Children who have lost a loved one can feel grief, fear, and/or anger. Grieving children often feel alone because they rarely know anyone their age who has dealt with the death of a family member or friend.
What is Kourage Kids?
Kourage Kids grief camp is a free, 1-day camp for kids ages 5-18 who have lost a loved one. Kourage Kids offers children and teens a day full of support and fun, and is staffed by registered nurses, counselors, social workers, and volunteers trained to work with grieving children.
Your child will learn valuable tools to help them grieve in a healthy way, and will be connected with other children who have also lost a loved one. Kourage Kids provides your child with the opportunity to make new friends while participating in a wide range of activities that may include:
- Crafts
- Balloon release
- Singing
- Grief golf
- Chalk art
- Candle Making
- Rock Painting
- Hayrack Ride
- Remote control cars
- Lunch and two snacks provided
Mad? Sad? Scared?
Each activity "has a point." We provide productive fun that gives kids opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings. Whether your child is angry, scared, or simply sad, Kourage Kids camp is a special place that reminds them they're not alone in their grief.
Remember, Children Grieve Too
Grieving children often feel alone because they may not know anyone their age who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. For many children grief comes in "waves." Professional support from our team can help your child whether it has been just weeks, several months, or even years since the loss. As the parent or caregiver of a child or teen who has experienced a loss, you might also be looking for new ways to help your child cope with grief.
With our trained grief counselors guiding the way, children can share their experiences with other children who are also dealing with loss. Their common bond allows them to validate each other's' feelings and lessens their sense of isolation. In a sense, they can help each other heal.
Kourage Kids grief camp is provided free of charge by UnityPoint Hospice - Peoria to children who have lost a loved one.