SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — For over 10 years, Kids Good Grief Camp has helped children in central Illinois cope with loss in their lives.
“It’s a one-day camp every year we get to do, and it’s led by licensed therapists and each of the room activities, and it really just helps the kids know that it’s okay, you know, to talk about grief and talk about people we’ve lost.” Said Dr. Melissa Franzen, Leader of Kids Good Grief Camp.
Children ages 6 to 12 rotate through four themed rooms—three symbolizing the past, present, and future.
One room features a therapy dog, which helps when campers feel overwhelmed or overstimulated.
“So in the past, we have lost them. Who are they? Who were they? to you. let’s talk about them, and we move through to the present. How do we handle the big emotions we’re having right now, the future room, and that’s talking about how when there’s a loss, our world kind of shatters apart. and it can still hold, beautiful, even if it’s not the same.” Said Dr. Melissa Franzen, Leader of Kids Good Grief Camp.
Among the volunteers is Kara Rubio.
She first came to the camp after losing her mom—now, she returns to help others heal.
“Now I feel a lot more comfortable talking about it. I still do tend to get emotional. But it’s not as heavy on the topic because I’ve learned always hoping mechanisms from this camp.” Said Kara Rubio, a Volunteer.
Kara says giving back has become part of her own healing.
“Even though the grief might be different. It’s not fair for other little kids not to get the help with how to handle it that I got. So helping these little kids is also, in a way, healing me.” Said Kara Rubio, a Volunteer.
Kara offers this heartfelt message.
“I know how it feels to, like, bury feelings about these certain things and then let it all out in one heave of a mess, reach out and talk to people. Because burying those feelings deep down isn’t healthy.” Kara Rubio, Volunteer
At the end of the camp, caregivers are invited back to plant a memory tree with their little ones.
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