Camp BraveHeart

For the ninth year, Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island (HHCRI) is sponsoring Camp BraveHeart, a free, two-day summer camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Camp BraveHeart will be held on August 20 and 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Camp Aldersgate at 1043 Snake Hill Road, North Scituate, RI.

Free transportation is available from pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off points. If you are interested in registering a child for Camp BraveHeart, please call 401-415-4610 before Aug. 14.

At Camp BraveHeart, children who have lost a loved one will take part in fun traditional camp activities such as, swimming, kayaking, archery, rock climbing, gardening and storytelling. In addition, grief counselors will provide emotional support through discussions and opportunities to memorialize loved ones during art, music, theatre and drum circle activities. The two-day summer camp concludes with a butterfly release and a remembrance ceremony.

“Camp BraveHeart is a program where any child or teen who has experienced the loss of a loved one can go to be with others who have had similar experience,” says HHCRI grief and volunteer programs specialist Deanna Upchurch, who holds a master’s in counseling psychology and founded the camp. “Often times, youngsters who have experienced loss are isolated in their circle of friends or even in their classroom settings. Our goal is to help them to understand that loss is universal and connecting with others in grief can be a healing opportunity.”

Camp BraveHeart is made possible through the generous donations of businesses, individuals and HHCRI’s charity license plate. This year’s sponsors are: CVS Charity Classic, Inc., The Pilkington Memorial Golf Tournament, HHCRI’s charity license plate and individual donors. Anyone wishing to donate to the Camp BraveHeart Fund may send a tax-deductible contribution to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, Department of Philanthropy, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

HHCRI’s bereavement program guides people of all ages through the difficult times that follow the death of a loved one. Support groups meet throughout the state at various times year round. Groups are free and open to the public, including those who have not used the organization’s hospice services. More information about HHCRI’s bereavement and other services is available by visiting www.hhcri.org/CampBraveHeart or by calling the bereavement department at 401-415-4300 or the main number at 401-415-4200.

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island
Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island has been a leader in hospice and palliative care for more than three decades and helps people live out the remaining time of their lives with as much comfort and dignity as possible. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island offers comprehensive medical, emotional and spiritual care for people facing life-challenging illnesses. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island is an independent, non-profit, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified organization fully licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program.