FROM HOME HOSPICE

Camp Dragonfly for Teens, a program of Grayson County Home Hospice, is accepting applications for the camp to help teens cope with grief in the loss of close relative.

Deadline for applications is Feb. 19.

Often, when a teen experiences the death of someone close to them ... there are limited support systems for teen's grief and teens internalize their feelings, often with negative effects on their life for prolonged periods of time, states a press release from Home Hospice of Grayson County.

The first Camp Dragonfly for Teens ages 13-17 will be held March 5-7. The camp will be held at All Saints Camp on Lake Texoma. Home Hospice of Grayson County is hoping to help these teens, and in the process, their families, find effective strategies for coping with the grief experienced at the loss of a significant person in their life such as a parent, grandparent or sibling. Registrations should be turned in by Feb. 19.

Camp designer and co-director, Vicky Smith Lindsey, LCSW, is currently in private practice in Sherman specializing in grief and loss issues and has extensive experience in grief counseling.

"Teens cope with grief in an age-appropriate manner," Lindsey said. "Grief camps such as Camp Dragonfly are invaluable in addressing the grief experienced by teens in ways that are meaningful to them, such as art activity, body mapping, memory campfire, high ropes course and other bonding group related activities."

"Camp Dragonfly will provide a foundation for teens which will assist them as they cope with the losses encountered throughout life.

"Teens who have suffered a loss feel different from all the other kids and we hope that the camp will help them realize that they are not alone and these feelings are normal," said director Jolene Senek.

Home Hospice of Grayson County wants to make this opportunity available to any teen who meets the age and loss criteria. The cost is $50 per camper, with scholarships available to those needing financial assistance to attend.

Funding for the camp has been provided by Sherman Service League, Denison Service League, the Denison Community Foundation as well as private donors and the United Way of Grayson and Cooke Counties.

"We at Home Hospice recognize that well designed grief support opportunities for teens are missing in our community and we are seeking to help meet that need" said Sherry Little, Hospice executive director.

Applications and information about Camp Dragonfly are available by contacting Jolene Senek at Home Hospice, 505 W. Center Street in Sherman by phone at 903-868-9315 or e-mail, jolene.senek@homehospice.org.

Home Hospice of Grayson County is a 501(c)(3) organization providing care for terminally ill patients, their families and caregivers, and all in our communities who grieve regardless of ability to pay.