Now that school is out, a lot of kids are attending summer camp. But not too many places are like Camp Erin.
"It’s mostly families with school age kids that come here," said Lisa Templeton-Farmer, one of the camp's organizers.
What makes Camp Erin different is that all the kids participating have lost a close loved one. Templeton-Farmer says one cause of death seems to be more common among the attendees than before.
“We had more families impacted by homicide at Camp Erin this year than we ever did before,” said Templeton-Farmer.
In June, Camp Erin played host to 47 young people. In addition to the fun and physical activities, there were group sessions and emotional outlets. Healing sessions continue at Kansas City Hospice & Solace House locations across the KC Metro. Todd Steinbrecher often volunteers his time with the kids.
“It’s kind of a launchpad to that piece of innocence or piece of joy you may have experienced before that traumatic situation happened,” said Steinbrecher.
Even if you or your child are unable to attend a camp like this one, organizers say you need to have a candid conversation with your child if he or she is coping with the death of a loved one.
"Be honest," Templeton-Farmer tells 41 Action News. "Answer their questions, even if the questions are hard."
There is another camp coming to the KC Metro in September. It’ll be Sept. 15th to 17th at the Heartland Center in Parkville, Missouri. For more information, click here.
