Camp Cocoon helps youngsters deal with grief

  • Morgan Thomas, left, gives Lyla Swafford a hand in putting the final touches on her birdhouse.
    Morgan Thomas, left, gives Lyla Swafford a hand in putting the final touches on her birdhouse.
  • Quincy Adams concentrates to put the final prepartions on her birdhouse at Camp Cocoon.
    Quincy Adams concentrates to put the final prepartions on her birdhouse at Camp Cocoon.
  • Laci Swafford, Lyla Swafford, Lillian Ritter, and Carolina Wishhart, from left, enjoyed the visit from Lauren Adams’ and her dog, Bonnie, at Camp Cocoon. The visit was part of the planned activities at Camp Cocoon, but it was certainly a way to put smiles on faces who were heard to say, “I love dogs.” Children were later treated to a petting zoo brought in for the day.
    Laci Swafford, Lyla Swafford, Lillian Ritter, and Carolina Wishhart, from left, enjoyed the visit from Lauren Adams’ and her dog, Bonnie, at Camp Cocoon. The visit was part of the planned activities at Camp Cocoon, but it was certainly a way to put smiles on faces who were heard to say, “I love dogs.” Children were later treated to a petting zoo brought in for the day.
  • Chloe Wishhart concentrates on creating her own stuffed animal at the May 18 camp.
    Chloe Wishhart concentrates on creating her own stuffed animal at the May 18 camp.
  • Camp Cocoon students, counselors and volunteers gathered before the start of the day’s activities Saturday, May 18, at Fannin County Middle School. The annual event is sponsored by Pruitt Health Hospice to help children who have suffered a loss. The loss does not have to be hospice related.
    Camp Cocoon students, counselors and volunteers gathered before the start of the day’s activities Saturday, May 18, at Fannin County Middle School. The annual event is sponsored by Pruitt Health Hospice to help children who have suffered a loss. The loss does not have to be hospice related.
  • Caroline Wishhart works hard to mix the concrete for her stepping stone. Youngsters were warned not to use too much water as they started the project.
    Caroline Wishhart works hard to mix the concrete for her stepping stone. Youngsters were warned not to use too much water as they started the project.
  • Caprice Cummings helps Kameron Newman spread the concrete to create his personal stepping stone.
    Caprice Cummings helps Kameron Newman spread the concrete to create his personal stepping stone.
  • Jax Lowe, left, and Hudda Newman work on their stepping stones at Camp Cocoon.
    Jax Lowe, left, and Hudda Newman work on their stepping stones at Camp Cocoon.

    Grief can make a person feel all alone, no matter that person’s age.

    With that thought in mind, Camp Cocoon opens its doors to help children ages 5 to 14 deal with their losses.

    The annual camp is designed to surround the children, “With love, support and other kids who are also dealing with grief to show them they are not alone,” says Amy Beavers of Pruitt Health Hospice.

    “Even when they have a lot of support, they sometimes don’t know how to handle a loss,” Beavers says of young people.

    She saw the local need to help these children when she started working with hospice here in 2005. There was a three-day camp in Toccoa geared to helping grieving children, but nothing locally. Camp Cocoon was born and is now in its 14th year in Fannin County.

    The one-day event was held at Fannin County Middle School Saturday, May 18, with some 20 youngsters attending.

    They were treated to a variety of activities and lunch while being able to spend time with children the same age.

    Pruitt Health Hospice sponsors the annual camp and Beavers credits the staff, volunteers and the school system for its success.

    “The school system is so supportive, that is the key,” she says.

    This was the fourth year the camp was held at the middle school, giving plenty of room for activities.

    Most camp participants are referred through the school system or through the Department of Family and Children Services.

    Other children are also welcome. Beavers says parents should contact her through the Pruitt Health Hospice office at 706-632-0027 for information. The child’s loss does not have to be hospice related to attend Camp Cocoon.