Bereavement staff accompanied by social workers, chaplains, and hospice volunteers come together to host this annual event for the children of our community.  This is an opportunity for the children in the area we serve to have a time of their own with peers to express grief in a safe place. 
The children are involved in a variety of activities which consist of small and large group activities, writing activities, arts and crafts, music, drama, and recreation.  They are taught their individual importance and given the tools for their freedom to express their grief.
Grief is an individualized process that takes one on a journey without a uniform time element.  Children are not exempt from being participants in this journey.  No child is denied the opportunity to attend based on their financial ability to pay. 
You must enroll by completing a camp application.  Immunizations must be up to date and a copy of the camper’s shot record is required.  Call Mountain Valley Hospice for an enrollment packet. 

You may email us for more information.
June 18 – 21

Mt. Airy Christian Church Family Life Center
974 S Franklin Rd
Mt. Airy, NC    
2008 Grief Camp
Celebration of the Life
The 2008 Brighter Days Grief Camp was held June 18 - 21 at Mount Airy Christian Church. This year’s theme was Fiesta de la Vida “Celebration of the Life”. Nineteen children attended and learned ways to cope with their grief appropriately. The children were divided into three age groups: Chips, Salsa, and Chili Peppers during the educational sessions “Grief and Me”. Many crafts were created such as memory stones, memory boxes, and picture frames to honor their lost loved ones. Daily recreational activities included games such as water day when the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department came out to help cool off on a hot summer day. Other recreational activities were hosted by local church youth groups. Saturday was the closing celebration for the children and their parents - They enjoyed a short memorial service and balloon release followed by a family style cookout. All in all it was a great success! We would like to thank all those who volunteered and provided food and supplies throughout the week. We look forward to next year.

Check out some of our photos!

Brighter Days Grief Camp