Each summer, Hospice of Spokane sponsors a camp for young people grieving the loss of loved ones.

Camp Chmepa will be held this summer July 29-31 at the heavenly Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The camp is for young people between the ages of 7 and 15 who are grieving the death of loved ones. I have known some children who attended this camp and loved it. They combine usual camp fun with more solemn moments, which acknowledge the way children grieve -- often in short segments of emotion.

And the camp is free for kids, made possible by donations. Camp applications are being accepted now.

According to the Hospice of Spokane website: "The name of the camp was carefully chosen to represent the overarching goal of the experience. The word chmepa (juh-MEH-peh) is a Spokane Indian word with multiple meanings: a place where two rivers come together to meet, blend and become stronger; a special place of inclusion; and a connecting circle."
 

Here's the link for camp information.

Readers who have questions and live in Spokane, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties can call Hospice of Spokane at (509) 456-0438 for information. Readers who live in North Idaho can call Hospice of North Idaho at (208)772-7994.

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