Stein Hospice Camp Good Grief campers release balloons during one of their therapeutic intervention activities. Photo courtesy of Christa Bronner, Stein Hospice.

Stein Hospice held its annual Camp Good Grief in Brown County at Mt. Orab park June 24-28th.

Cherry Ridge Farms provided animals for Pet Therapy programs. Photo courtesy of Christa Bronner, Stein Hospice.
Oil painting Music Therapy. Photo courtesy of Christa Bronner, Stein Hospice.

Camp Good Grief was established at Stein Hospice as a method to address childhood grief and give children the opportunity to begin the process of moving forward in their young lives. Camp Good Grief allows children to express the feelings they may be having in a healthy and nurturing setting, surrounded by staff, volunteers and other grieving children.

Stein Hospice has been holding Camp Good Grief at various parks in Ohio for over 17 years. This was the 5th year for Brown County’s Camp Good Grief. Twenty-seven children attended the week long camp this year, which was the highest camper count to date.

According to Christa Bronner, Bereavement Counselor, “We’ve seen an increase every year in our attendance, and appreciate the opportunity to work with children in our communities who have experienced loss”.

Each day Camp Good Grief has a unique theme. These themes include: Grief and Loss, Feelings, Coping, Self Esteem and Healing.

Activities and guests correspond with these themes making the camp experience cohesive and well-rounded. One of the guests was a Music Therapist who played music while the campers used oil pastels to color how the music makes them feel. This allows for the children to explore and discuss how music can help us heal during times of loss. The week long day camp allows children to be open and honest in a safe and supportive setting.

Stein Hospice is a not-for-profit agency that has been caring for patients and families in Ohio for more than 35 years.

The organization serves Brown and surrounding counties as well as Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Lorain, Sandusky and Seneca counties with compassionate in-home and in-patient physical and emotional care.