Annual Family Retreat was a Another Successful Weekend at Sacred Grove Retreat
Gaston Hospice presented another unique opportunity for 12 members of grieving families in July at the beautiful Sacred Grove Retreat Center in historic Gold Hill, North Carolina. In addition to important grief therapy, free time gave families a chance to explore the quaint, historic town of Gold Hill, where they explored mining trails, panned for gold, and talked to townspeople in turn-of-the-century costume and much more!
When asked what they liked best about camp, children who attended responded: "Spending time with other families who lost loved ones," "lots of activities," "nice people and funny!"
Parents said they felt comforted in being close by their children as they explored their grief. They also enjoyed having family time in such a unique setting.
Gaston Hospice grief counselor Chemarra Bryant feels that the family retreat is one of the most valuable things that our counselors do for local grieving families. "It is always amazing to see families come together as strangers and leave as friends. Grief has a way of stripping away barriers."
About Camp Phoenix
Like all good camps, Camp Phoenix offers fun and games to campers ages 7-15 and their parents.
What makes this camp unique is that, mixed in with the fun, campers are exposed to a broader understanding of the pain of losing a loved one. Children who attend are dealing with the deaths of cherished mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and grandfathers.
Grief sessions are designed to help the families face death, learn how to identify feelings of grief and how to cope with change related to loss. Counselors use crafts, art, remembering exercises and storytelling as part of their plans to help children accept death as a natural part of life.
"Grief comes in spurts, mixed in with times of fun and laughter," says Terri Ray, director of grief services at Gaston Hospice. "So Camp Phoenix offers relief from the seriousness of mourning with fun activities." This year, new activities include:
- age appropriate grief work
- family-oriented activities
- fun recreational events
- a unique lodging experience reminiscent of days gone by
Camp staff are professional counselors from the New Hope Counseling Center for Grief and Loss of Gaston Hospice. Special bereavement volunteers receive instruction to work with grieving children and "often volunteer because they have learned the value of grief therapy from personal experience," says Chemarra Bryant, Gaston Hospice grief counselor.
There is no charge to attend Camp Phoenix, although there may be a refundable fee to hold a space. The camp is sponsored in part by BI-LO Store #633. Anyone interested in finding out more about the camp should call the Gaston Hospice office at (704) 861-8405. The next Camp Phoenix will be held in the spring or summer of 2012.
Family 2012 Reservation Form
There will be no online registration for at this time. For more information, call Chemarra or Marianne at 704 861-8405.
Space is limited to 20 participants, so register early! Minimum age for this retreat is 7. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian to participate.
*There is no charge for this event, but a refundable deposit of $50 per family will ensure your reservation. Your check will be returned to you on the day of the event. This event is funded by a grant from Bi-Lo.