7/15/13 - When tragedy strikes, it is often the children involved who are hit the hardest. For the past five years, Camp Courage at the Howell Nature Center has provided a refuge for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The two-day camp is offered free of charge through the philanthropic Ted and Jane Von Voightlander Foundation, and hosted teens aged 13 through 17 this weekend. Camp Courage features typical summer camp activities like rock-wall climbing and zip-lining alongside more traditionally therapeutic activities. Like the campers, all of the counselors and therapists have lost someone close to them. This reassures campers that they are not alone in the grief and encourages an atmosphere of open discussion. Organizers say the camp shows young people that they are not alone in their grief and helps them understand and accept the passing of their loved ones. The effectiveness of Camp Courage can be seen in its former campers, many of whom return as one-on-one counselors to help other kids through their difficult times. Camp Courage features innovative therapy programs to help kids understand and talk about the tragedies that have affected them. A follow-up report tomorrow will examine specific therapies offered to campers as well as the results of the program. (TD)
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