Grief is a powerful emotional and physical reaction to the loss of someone or something. It can be a complex emotion to process and for children and teens, it is no different. During the pandemic there has been more loss than ever for children across the area; loss of loved ones, loss of friendships, relationships, and connection, loss of routine and school, etc. 

Brian Pendleton, Chaplin and Bereavement Coordinator at Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice, spoke with KSHB about grief in children. 

To help children ages 5-14 deal with the unique feelings following a loss or life change, Saint Luke's Hospice House in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri is hosting its annual grief camp for children and teens called Express Yourself Camp. 

The day camp is now open for registration and being held June 13-14th at Camp Prairie Schooner. The camp is designed for kids who’ve experienced a loss or change, such as a death of a loved one, a divorce in the family, moving, the death of a pet, losing a home, a serious illness in the family, or changing schools. Express Yourself Camp offers:

• All-day activities to promote healthy coping skills.
• A safe environment for youth to express emotions associated with loss.
• Professionally trained staff including grief counselors and volunteers.

If you have questions about the camp or grief services that Saint Luke's Home Care & Hopsice offers to the community call the bereavement office at Saint Luke's Hospice House at 816-502-8917.