CAMP SKYLARK

Camp Skylark 2017 Slideshow and Video

Camp Skylark is an annual, weekend-long bereavement camp for children ages 7-12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.  It began in 2005 with a group of dedicated and concerned Hospice Volunteers and staff who were dedicated to finding a way to help grieving children. Many of our volunteers travel from across BC to be a part of camp, and quite a few of them have experienced grief and loss in their lives.

Every year we hold our bereavement camp at Camp Squeah, a gorgeous area set amongst the mountains just minutes outside of beautiful Hope, BC. This setting provides our campers with all the amenities of a traditional camp, as well as a peaceful place to come and be supported in their grief.

This is a place for children to come together and know they are not alone. The most important thing is however, that children are just allowed to be children and enjoy nature at the same time.

Why is Camp Important?
Many people find it difficult to discuss death and dying, especially to children.  So, when the loss of a loved one occurs children are often overlooked during the grieving process.  They may feel fear, abandonment, depression, anger and isolation.  They can also make up stories in their head of how their loved one died and fear that others they love will be taken from them, or that they too will die.  What’s more, children often feel that they need to become the caregiver to the adults left in their life who have become vulnerable as a result of the death.  Masking emotions can result in isolation and/or behavior problems at home and school which can continue into adulthood. 

What Happens at Camp?
In addition to traditional camp activities (such as rock climbing, hiking, swimming, ropes courses, archery, etc.) which allow kids to be kids without the worry of taking care of their loved ones, Camp Skylark offers special bereavement activities for children in order to teach them healthy coping strategies.  Some of these traditions include lantern making in honor of their loved one, a lantern ceremony, memory circles, sharing circles and music therapy.   In 2012, a memory tree adorned with butterflies decorated by the children was planted, and a Native Elder also performed a traditional grief ceremony.  
Activities and the entire camp program is sensitive to all cultures and allows the child to make choices about how they wish to express their feelings.  We believe that each child is an individual and grieves in their own way and our role at camp is to be there and offer activities and opportunities for grief to be shared among their peers.

 
What do Funds Support?
In order to be inclusive to all families in need of this support, we work diligently to fundraise year round so all campers can attend free of charge.  It costs our Society $350 to send one child to camp.  This cost covers the expense of food, sleeping arrangements, camp activities and supplies.  Every year we welcome 25 children through the doors of Camp Skylark.  This would not be possible without the generous support of our community and volunteers.  

If your child or someone you know would be interested in learning more about Camp Skylark, please contact the Hospice office at 604-860-7713.
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Click here for link to Camp Skylark information
“It was the best camp ever!”  
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“There is no one who can understand what she went though better than kids who have gone through the same things.  What you guys do and offer for these kids is just amazing.  You truly do a fantastic job with everything, all the volunteers and everybody just made it such a special experience.”
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“The circle was the best thing for me.” 
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“Thank you for talking to me and letting me come.”
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"I wish Camp Skylark lasted forever."
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“Camp Skylark was one of the best experiences that our family has ever had!”

 
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At our recent 2019 Camp Skylark, the camp had artist, Freda Lombard who was the Art Therapist. She introduced and facilitated a group painting. This was a wonderful bonding experience for all, as everyone painted a tree and its shadow on this canvas and all Campers and Volunteers signed the back.
©2013 Fraser Canyon Hospice Society | 1275 - 7th Avenue, Hope, BC, V0X 1L4 | [email protected]
Charitable Registration #899344584RR0001 | Tel: 604.860.7713 | Fax: 604.860.7709