Last weekend a group of teens attending a retreat sponsored by Universal Home Health & Hospice Care, and Caring Hearts of Ohio, considered the painful issues they are facing in grieving the loss of a relative or friend.
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ABOVE: Participants in Universal Home Health & Hospice’s teen grief camp pose near a “door of hope” and reassembled clay pots, representing the life-shattering effects of grief and the rebuilding process, during a recent retreat at Marmon Valley Farm. HOME PAGE SLIDE SHOW PHOTO: Participants in Universal Home Health & Hospice’s teen grief camp select horses for a trail ride at Marmon Valley Farm. (PHOTOS | SUBMITTED) |
The teens, who came from several schools to participate in the program, participated in a panel discussion with other teens that have experienced the grief process longer than they, a challenge course and team building exercise, horseback riding, a pottery project, bonfires, painting a “door of hope” and a memorial service.
As the weekend unfolded the teens began to feel a common bond and it became easier to change their focus from the pain of grief, toward hope in their future based on positive memories and influences of their loved ones.
The retreat was at Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield and though the weekend’s weather, like their grief journey, was at times a difficult challenge, it proved to be a memorable weekend for the teens.
A similar event, Camp BraveHeart, for children ages 5 to 13, is a day camp set for June 8 through 10. Applications are now being accepted. For information, contact school guidance counselors or call Cheryl Varian at (937) 844-2894.