Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group

Camp Angel Wings

Click here to download a Camp Angel Wings registration form

Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care in collaboration with the Southcoast YMCA will be hosting its annual Camp Angel Wings. A therapeutic two-day camp experience for children and teens, ages five through 17 who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

This camp is free and open to Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents.

July 26 & 27
9:30 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.

Camp Angel Wings was designed for children and teens who are sharing like experiences in grief to have an educational, therapeutic experience that is also an enjoyable one.

The camp counters a sense of isolation that children can feel after losing a loved one. Participating in activities together such as canoeing, swimming, arts, crafts, archery, ropes challenge courses, and drum circle activities can help children and teens who have lost someone close to them explore their many thoughts and feelings about grief and encourages them to try new or familiar activities that help them feel good about themselves.

Camp Angel Wings' benefits include:

Providing emotional, physical and spiritual support in a safe, nonjudgemental environment.
Countering the sense of isolation many bereaved youngsters experience in their grief by pairing them with others who have also lost a loved one.
Allowing them to explore their many thoughts and feelings about grief in a way that helps them be compassionate with themselves and others.
Encouraging them to try new recreational activities, or participate in familiar ones, in order to help build self esteem.
Offering new ways of approaching problems and caring for oneself adequately.
Providing a supportive environment that can rekindle their love for life and meaning.

How will children and teens benefit from Camp Angel Wings

A Safe Place ~ Camp Angel Wings is a place that children and teens can go where it's OK to be themselves without feeling pressured to "get over it."
Understanding Adults ~ Trained, caring facilitators serve as companions as children and teens walk through their grief. Adults are there to guide and nurture, not direct or "fix" them.
Understanding Peers ~ One of the benefits of Camp Angel Wings is establishing association with others who have experienced a loss. Meet and interact with kids who've had similar experiences, feeling less isolated and alone.
Opportunities to Play ~ It is OK for children and teens to have fun, even when they are sad sometimes. Though they have experienced the loss of a loved one, they still need to experience joy and happiness.
Validation of Experiences & Feelings ~ Each individual is allowed to express their feelings in a non-threatening and supportive environment. No child will be forced to share their feelings but those who choose to will be encouraged to do so. Whether they are open about the loss or not, all of them will be respected.
Opportunities to Remember & Commemorate ~ No one wants to forget a loved one as time passes. Activities and times of sharing allow children and teens to share their memories and create tangible items that will help them remember.
Learning Coping Skills ~ One of our main goals is to give youngsters the opportunity to learn new communication and coping skills through a variety of interpersonal and self reflection exercises.
Try Something New ~ Whether it's the rock climbing wall, zip line, ropes challenge courses, archery, drumming or another of our many activities, there's an opportunity to try something new, boosting self confidence and fostering independence.
Hear Stories of Hope ~ Experience the stories of some of our camp visitors who have also experienced the loss of a loved one and have important messages to share with our campers.
Look Forward to Coming Back Next Year ~ Children and teens are always welcome to return to Camp Angel Wings or join one of our on-going Growing Through Grief support groups.

Download a Registration Form

Download 2008 Brochure

Download 2008 Registration Form | Adobe Acrobat PDF file (108KB)

For More Information or to Register

Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Infusion

Phone: 508-984-0202