The Buzz About Camp Francis: It Works For Grieving Children
Ari Has a Special Message for You
“I want to say ‘Thank you’ for camp. I went to Camp Francis last year when I had recently lost my grandma and this year because of losing my grandpa. We did so many things like the water fight, going on a hike, and learning how to handle grief. You talk about your loved one, and it helps your mental health. It’s very helpful, and it’s about knowing I’m not alone. I want to come back as a teen volunteer!” -Ariana Elwood, 12
In June, Benefis Peace Hospice’s beloved Camp Francis marked 33 years of providing a sanctuary for children who have lost a loved one. Ceremonies, time in nature, conversations with people who understand, and s’mores around the campfire all help with healing. Because of donor support, no family must pay to take part in the magic of camp.
Grief expert Dr. Mary-Ann Sontag of University of Montana’s School of Social Work is leading a research project into Camp Francis and shared early results. She began with healthy skepticism. Is this intensive approach working? And if it’s not working or could be better, why are we putting our kids into grief camps? Why are we spending this money and volunteer time?
Camp Francis, which involves about 30 children ages 6-12 every summer, and more than double as many volunteers, is one of the longest-running such camps in the country. Dr. Sontag’s research into the camp involved a survey and interviews with former campers. They all said that their lives were different because of their Camp Francis experience.
“There is no question in my mind at this point that Camp Francis helps children hold on through the awful so they can get to the amazing parts of life,” Dr. Sontag said. “It is a community commitment to those kids, and it’s a good investment. You have made those kids better by sending them to Camp Francis.”
Camp is a collaborative effort among families, volunteers, Benefis Foundation, donors, Peace Hospice, and Camp Rotary (which hosts the camp). It’s a “gathering of caring, bringing all these resources together to serve these children,” Dr. Sontag said. “This is remarkable, an exemplary commitment to caring for children and families.”
'In This Hive, You Are Never Alone'
Thanks to the generous support of numerous donors and Benefis Health System, 35 campers — more than half of whom were new to the program and camp — buzzed through their grief journey this summer.
Supported by this year’s bee-themed programming, the campers, along with 61 full-time volunteers, explored the tasks of grieving while building positive coping skills.
Highlights from camp included:
• A bee talk from Mark Jensen of Smoot Honey.
• A honeycomb mural group art project led by artist Katlin Smith, which will travel to local elementary schools during the upcoming school year.
• Bee watering stations crafted by the campers.
• Yoga and meditation sessions followed by beeswax candle making.
• Daily small and large group grief discussion and education sessions.
At the end of each day, campers and volunteers participated in meaningful grief rituals, including sharing their stories, a naming ceremony led by the Drum Brothers, a memorial luminary ceremony, and a dance to practice self-care. A parade led by campers carrying this year’s camp banner signed by all who attended concluded with the joyful reunion of campers and their families.
During the closing ceremony, each camper received a handmade quilt from the Linus Project as a lasting reminder of the community support surrounding them and the courage they showed while exploring their grief. This year’s guest speakers were Max and Janette Polsak, whose children Katie and Murphy attended camp after the loss of their son Payton. Both Katie and Murphy continue to support the camp through volunteering.
There is no fee associated with attending Camp Francis, thanks to donations to the Benefis Foundation's Children's Bereavement Fund and the hard work and dedication of many volunteers.
The Children’s Bereavement Program is excited to continue supporting families with our inaugural Back-to-School Social on Aug. 20, along with a full calendar of grief support opportunities for kids and their families throughout the year.
For more information about Camp Francis or the Children's Bereavement Program or to find support for your own family, contact Kathy Van Tighem at 406-455-3065 or kathrynvantighem@benefis.org.
Your gifts will make a child’s grief easier to bear. Your support for the Children’s Bereavement Program at Benefis Peace Hospice changes a child’s life.
