Fifth Annual Bos Camp to Be Held September 23-25

Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital Hosts Free Camp for Grieving Children, Teens, Caregivers

MACON, GA (Tuesday, August 23, 2016) - Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital (CHNH) is accepting applications for its fifth annual Bo's Camp. Bo's Camp is a weekend bereavement camp for children and parents or guardians who have lost a loved one.

The camp will be held September 23-25 at Hephzibah Children's Home, 6601 Zebulon Rd. in Macon, and is free for participants. Those wishing to participate may download an application by visiting www.navicenthealth.org/boscamp/camper-information

Campers and their families will spend time with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The camp is divided into peer groups for children (ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13), teenagers (ages14-18) and parents or guardians. Throughout the weekend, campers are involved in family activities and age appropriate grief sessions, as well as variety of camp activities, including arts and crafts, and outdoor activities.

"The camp allows parents who have lost children and children who have lost significant loved ones to talk about their grief and learn healthy coping skills. We are able to provide hope and healing to families who are experiencing loss. They do not have to grieve alone," said Rebecca Cogburn, Director of Pediatric Critical Care at CHNH.

Last year, more than 100 people, representing more than 30 families, participated in the camp, and it continues to grow each year. Bo's Camp is funded by donations from the community, and would not be possible without volunteer support. The staff and volunteers at Bo's Camp are specially trained to work with children and their families and include social workers, therapists and counselors, medical staff and chaplains.