Page 98 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2016

HEALTHY LIVING therapeutic fun
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Canon Hospice and the Akula Foundation
amp Swan is a very special event for children! They get to do all the things
that kids normally get to do at camp.... running, laughing, playing; but affairs
of the heart, grief, sadness and loss, are also addressed in a loving, therapeutic
environment. Camp Swan is a weekend camp offered to children ages 7-12 whom are grieving the loss of a loved one. These children are able to attend camp at absolutely
no charge and able to express themselves freely through activities offered throughout the weekend. Camp Swan is sponsored by Canon Hospice’s non-profit affiliate, the Akula Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
“Camp Swan dates for 2016 are May 13 - May 15, 2016. Camp begins with a bang on Friday night opening up with a fun pizza party and introduction ceremony. This allows the children to warm up to everyone. There are activities that go on throughout the weekend,“ stated Canon Hospice Administrator Joshua Bruce. “We have so much fun, but encounter heart warming moments as well. The children get the most out of the activities when you alternate fun with emotion.”
The staff consists of licensed mental health specialist and social workers, a registered nurse, students studying in
the field of mental health, a non-denominational chaplain, and volunteers who undergo thorough background checks. Campers are encouraged to open up and express their grief in a very positive manner. “We try very hard to have one on one interaction between camper and counselor,” Bruce said.
One activity that seems to mean the most to the children is the Memory Box Activity. Campers are allowed to decorate their memory box in honor of their lost loved one in ways that they choose to do so. Some are simple and some
are elaborate. Bruce states that this activity is usually a
breakthrough activity for most children and that this activity allows them freedom to express their grief in a very real way. Bruce also points out that some family members may have
observed that the child has been having trouble sleeping or has been acting out in a negative manner or that their grades seemed to have gone in a downward spiral. These are all ways that children express their grief after losing a loved one.
Outside speakers are brought in to uplift the children mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some of the past speakers include, but are not limited to, former professional New Orleans Saints players Joe Horn and Deuce McAllister; Keesler Air Force Base’s K-9 Unit; and youth, spiritual leader Staci Cook.
A balloon release is the camp’s closing activity and most touching. “The reference is that the children are releasing their balloons to touch the heavens where their loved ones can read their personal, private notes that have been placed inside,” said Bruce.
Parents or Guardians are given a full report of the child’s progress or any concerns and are readily available to offer recommendations/suggestions toward any future treatment for their respected child.
Please note that camp is reserved for first time campers only and limited to 40 on a first come, first served
basis. Camp Swan will be located at
Camp Wilkes in Biloxi, Mississippi.
If you or a loved one is interested, please contact Canon Hospice for an application or if you would like to donate to the non-profit Akula Foundation who sponsors this event, please contact Joshua Bruce at 228.575.6251 or visit our Facebook page.
98 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2016
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WELCOME TO
Camp Swan has fun and therapy for children in need
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