Contributed photo

Camp Sunshine participants release balloons for the loved ones lost in local bereavment camp.

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In an effort to help brighten the lives of Chesterfield and Marlboro County children who have recently lost a loved one, Hospice of Chesterfield County held its 13th annual bereavement camp for children. Camp Sunshine was held on June 24-25. Children and teens from the area attended the two day camp held at the Chesterfield Family YMCA.

The camp was designed to help children cope with the recent loss of a family member. The children in attendance were able to express their grief through a variety of activities.

“Camp is such a special experience. We were able to have a lock in and the kids really enjoyed themselves. We had 28 children and teens this year and almost 30 staff and volunteers, ” Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Melonie M. Adams said.

Camp Sunshine was made possible through the generosity of the Chesterfield Family YMCA, Wendy’s of Cheraw, Piggly Wiggly of Chesterfield, Clowning Around, and Tee-rific Screen Printing. Hospice staff and volunteers assisted with the various activities during the camp.

While Hospice provides bereavement care to the families of Hospice patients for one year after the patient’s death, Camp Sunshine was offered to all children in Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties who had experienced the recent death of a relative. Hospice also provides quarterly bereavement support meetings that are available to the public.

Hospice is a program of care and supportive services designed to help terminally ill persons live as comfortably and as fully as possible during the last stage of their life. The Hospice organization focuses on the maximum comfort and care of the terminally ill and provides support through an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy and volunteers. Hospice believes caring for the terminally ill can be done in the home with the family as the primary caregivers.

Hospice can help the family meet the physical and emotional demands of keeping their loved one at home and ensuring that the home environment is positive and stable for the patient and their family. Hospice professionals help the patient to manage the pain and symptoms of their illness. Volunteers, clergy, and other staff members help the patient and their family prepare for, and adjust to the inevitable final stage of life.

Anyone desiring additional information or wishing to make a referral to Hospice of Chesterfield County may call the Chesterfield office at (843) 623-9155, the Cheraw office at (843) 537-2008, the Pageland office at (843) 672-9155 or toll free at 800-572-9322.