Because Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice (GBHH&H) leaders understand that children grieve differently than adults, they have once again scheduled their annual event to help youngsters cope with the loss of a loved one.

            Memories Matter Bereavement Camp is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Camp Aldrich. It is designed for children ages 5-12.

            The camp is free of charge and underwritten by St. Rose Health Center. Pre-registration is required.

            “Children express their grief differently than adults after a loved one has passed,” said Donita Wolf, GBHH&H manager. “We want them to know that any feelings they have are okay. Since kids don’t have the same language we do, our activities help them find ways to express themselves.

            “We also offer counseling that can help children heal their hearts when a family member or friend has passed,” Wolf added. “Over the years, we have received a lot of positive feedback from families about the benefits of Memories Matter.”

            Camp activities involve music, art, games and a puppet show.

            In addition to these hands-on activities, children at the camp discover they are not alone in their grief.

            “We know they feel so very alone and it helps when they interact with others going through the same thing,” Wolf said. “We want them to know their feelings are normal and a reflection of the love they have for the person they have lost. This has a profound impact.

            “Oftentimes,” Wolf elaborated, “children are the forgotten mourners. The death of a loved one brings the need to cope with emotions and lifestyle adjustments. It is a heavy burden for the young ones.”

            Trained counselors will guide campers throughout the one-day camp, which GBHH&H created and directs.

            “Our counselors can let the youngsters know that mourning is a natural reaction,” Wolf noted. “And it is a process, not a one-time event.”

            For more information or to register, contact GBHH&H by calling 620-792-8171 or visit www.strosehc.com.

            GBHH&H is part of the St. Rose Health Center family; its new office is on the second floor of the facility. It has been serving central Kansans since 1979.

            St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine, Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic, Great Bend Internists, Imaging, Cardiac Rehab, Physical Therapy, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.