Coastal Hospice invites children who have lost a loved one to attend Hope & Healing with Horses, a free children’s bereavement camp, on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Kindred Spirit Farm in Salisbury.
This event is designed for children ages 6-14 who have experienced the death of a parent, grandparent, sibling or other close loved one in the past two years. It is open to both hospice and non-hospice families who reside in the four Lower Shore counties. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
“Children who have lost someone dear to them grieve in very different ways than adults,” said Alane Capen, president of Coastal Hospice, which hosts the event. “They may find it harder to express what they are really feeling.” Hope & Healing with Horses teaches children and their families strategies to express grief and reduce stress and isolation and gives them a chance to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
The day camp uses horses as a tool for emotional growth and learning; the children ride, groom the horses and talk to them. Horses offer the children a simple but profound relationship and allow them to connect to a living being without the risk or rejection or criticism.
Chaplains and social workers from Coastal Hospice, who are trained in bereavement support, conduct the camp and guide the children and their families through their feelings.
No previous experience with horses is required. Children should wear closed-toe shoes for riding, and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. There will also be grief support activities for the adults who accompany the children.
Lunch is provided. The event will take place rain or shine at Kindred Spirit Farm, 3191 Johnson Rd., Salisbury. This event is free, but registration is required by Oct. 21 by calling Melissa Dasher at 443-944-5846. Coastal Hospice asks registrations be honored once they have been made.
Founded in 1980, Coastal Hospice is a nonprofit health care organization that cares for individuals facing life-limiting conditions but who want to remain as active and engaged as possible. Coastal Hospice cares for patients in their home, nursing home, assisted living facility or at Coastal Hospice at the Lake. The organization serves Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester and Somerset counties.
