Camp training

Yesterday, Together We Can camp training was held at Red Oak Camp for 25 dedicated counselors. These camp counselors are both paid and unpaid staff. Many took time out of their busy day to attend the training. Training is mandatory every year for counselors. In addition to reviewing grief and loss issues for children, active listening tips and professional behavior, the counselors practiced the camp song and learned how to facilitate the therapeutic activities. Each group of campers is led by an experienced grief counselor, but all the camp counselors play an important role in building a safe and fun environment. After a muggy and buggy tour of the campgrounds, we enjoyed a delightful meal prepared by Kandi, the camp cook. We are so excited and ready to meet our 41 registered campers!

Together We Can camp

The Bereavement Center staff has been busy getting ready for this year's camp. Forty campers have already registered. We have exciting new projects for the campers and will allow time for swimming, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing and archery. Hopefully the weather will cooperate!

These pictures show last years masks and

one of our human knots. Our therapeutic

interventions are designed to

facilitate the expression of feelings

and problem solving.

The camp provides a great forum for children to be with other children who are grieving and to know they are not alone. In addition to learning how to manage the big feelings of grief, the campers find ways to honor their deceased loved one.

Walking Through Grief: A Bereavement Specialty Program

http://www.hospicewr.org/uploads/pdf/programs/Educational%20Certificate%20Program.pdf

For the past several years, The Bereavement Center has received numerous calls requesting training in grief and loss. We are very happy to announce our new certificate program beginning in September 2008.

This certificate program is to educate and train professionals and paraprofessionals to work with those who are grieving. The focus will be on grief that accompanies a death; however the physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional responses are often the same for any loss experience.

This program begins with an understanding of normal grief reactions and interventions. It enables the participants to gain knowledge, skill and confidence to support bereaved individuals and groups in various situations, as well as to provide the appropriate services and referrals.

The goal of the program is to support the bereavement process and supplement the education of professionals with specific knowledge in the field of grief and loss.

Classes will be held Tuesdays - 5:45 to 9:00 p.m. in our Villaview location. CEs are provided.

For more information and the complete course desription, please visit our website at hospicewr.org.

Drumming By The Lake

Relieve stress and express yourself through rhythm using various drums and other rhythm instruments. No musical experience is needed. Registration is required.

Tuesday, October 14th, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Hospice of the Western Reserve

300 East 185th Street

Cleveland, Ohio

S. Maxwell 216.383.3780

Drum Circle at Hospice House

Last month, The Bereavement Center had it's first drum circle for grieving adults at our Hospice House location. Originally it was scheduled to be lake side, but weather conditions led the group indoors. Sarah Maxwell, Board Certified Music Therapist expertly led a group of adults who were grieving the death of a loved one through a series of drumming experiences culminating in a invigorating and stress relieving drum circle. Drum circles are a wonderful way to bring people together in the spirit of community and support. We are looking forward to planning our next circle Please consider joining us. No musical experience is needed!