As you have seen from the seen from the family of Steve Sutton, one of the hardest things in life to deal with is the death of a loved one.
It can be even more difficult for children to understand death. That is why Albany Hospice holds a camp for kids who have lost relatives.
These kids have smiles that radiate and laughs that echo. But, they have also had to deal with tragedy and loss that has been difficult for them. Understanding how kids grieve can be tough.
"Children grieve differently than adults and we wanted to have an atmosphere where they could express their grief and get some help with that," said Albany Community Hospice Director Patty Woodall.
One little boy lost several family members in the last year. He says the games are fun. But, the camp is really about healing.
"It's not about the camp and having fun," said camper Brody Barnes. "It is about all the people you have lost in the family. I've lost three people the whole first grade."
It is usually family members or school guidance counselors that get the kids to the camp. It does not take long being around the children to realize that they are live displays of bravery.
One girl who lost her mother in a car accident says it is beneficial to be around other people who have lost too.
"It's great to have friends around and to have people to know how you feel and who went through the same situation," said camper Leha Berry. "It feels great that you have people to relate to."
The two day camp gives them team building skills, arts and crafts, games, and much more. Each of the activities is lined up to promote community.
"We give them a lot of different ways to grieve," Woodall said. "Some children like to write letters to their loved one. Sometimes they will bring pictures of the one they lost and they will make a special picture frame for it. So, we try to let them see that there are a lot of different ways to express their grief."
The camp wants to make sure that just because loved ones have been lost, but, that does not mean that love has been lost.
The camp started fifteen years ago. It is sponsored by Albany Hospice and there is no charge for the kid's families.
It will finish up Thursday with a gathering from the kids with their loved ones.
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