Little Brave Hearts
Upcoming Date: Oct. 24, 2009

In the Fall of 2008, we expanded Camp Courage’s services to include a new program, “Little Brave Hearts,” aimed at helping young children, ages 4-7, who have experienced a death in their family.For those who are considering Little Brave Hearts as a way of supporting the child in your life who has experienced a loss, we have planned the day camp experience to be a fun-filled time, yet one which will help each child to understand, express and share their feelings of grief.

All events and activities will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Camp Victory, which is a beautiful camp village located in Millville, PA.

We are grateful for funding provided by Highmark Foundation’s Healthy High 5 program in order to make this camp possible.

All activities, food and attendance is free of charge. The day will begin with your arrival between 8:30-9:00 AM with a few brief activities planned for parents or guardians and the child.

Parents may leave at approximately 10:00 AM and are asked to return at 4:00 PM to join us for a campfire, hot dogs, s’mores and songs until approximately 5:30 PM.

A volunteer offers encouragement as a camper works on her Memory Box.	Children enjoy some time with certified therapy dogs. If young campers have a fear of dogs, they can do another activity during this time.	Free time activities in the Game Pavilion helped campers stay dry on a rainy day.

You may download an application by clicking on this link to the application. The application asks you to supply quite a bit of information about your child, as well as the person they are grieving. We also need to know your child’s health history in order to meet his/her physical needs during the day’s activities. All of the information we requested is important to our staff as we are entrusted with the care of your child for that day. If the forms seem overwhelming, perhaps a friend or family member can help you work on them. Little Brave Hearts applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Hospice staff, an RN, trained volunteers and a counselor will be on premises the entire day to meet any needs.

Parents and Families need to know that even if your child seems to be adjusting well to the loss, we find that most children still have questions, concerns, worries or feelings which they may be hesitant to share with other family members who are themselves grieving.

We welcome all kids, between the ages of 4 and 7, who have experienced a loss and it is our hope that they will gain valuable skills for expressing their feelings and dealing with grief now and in the future.

Tax deductible donations are welcomed and appreciated by all who benefit from our camp programs. Please make your check payable to "Columbia Montour Home Health & Hospice" with "Little Brave Hearts" in the memo space.

Columbia Montour Home Health and Hospice
Attn: Camp Courage, 410 Glenn Avenue, Suite 200
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

We look forward to hosting your child at Little Brave Hearts and we hope to be a meaningful part of their healing journey. Prior to camp, the camp director will make arrangements to talk by phone or in person with the parents/guardians of each camper to learn more about them and the family loss. Please return the completed application to reserve a spot for your child.

You are welcome to call the camp director with any questions you may have at (570) 784-1723 or (800) 349-4702.

Art activities play a big part in allowing children outlets for their emotions.	A Little Brave Hearts camper shows off her name tag decorated with stickers.