Registration is open for Shannon's Hope, a therapeutic weekend camp for children ages 6 to 15 who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past 24 months. This camp, held Oct. 6 and 7, is an initiative of Hospice of Charleston Foundation in collaboration with Hospice Care of America, MUSC and Roper Hospice.

Through participation in fun activities, campers are encouraged to speak about issues of death and grief. The experience is structured to teach children that feelings such as sadness, fear, anger and desperation are all normal aspects of the grieving process. Together they create friendships and support systems that allow them to identify and express their emotions in a safe, secure environment. It is a weekend of laughter, tears, sharing and remembering.
The camp is facilitated by professional counselors, and trained volunteer buddies who provide compassionate individual support to the children. Together these adults help the children "create stepping stones from their stumbling blocks."

Shannon's Hope is held twice a year at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island. A $35 fee is requested; however, scholarships are available based on financial need. Referrals of campers are welcomed from parents, counselors, teachers, ministers, or other concerned persons. Transportation to and from camp is available.

Shannon Heisler was the inspiration for Shannon's Hope, initiated in August 1989. The courage and hope demonstrated by this 16-year-old Hospice of Charleston patient, who died in November 1988, were the driving forces behind the development of the camp.

To refer a camper or for questions, contact Kathy Berry at Hospice of Charleston Foundation (Kathy@hospiceofcharlestonfoundation.org or 216-7323).

Corporate sponsorships are available for Shannon's Hope and all Hospice of Charleston Foundation events. Financial contributions are welcomed to support this program, as well as Hospice of Charleston Foundation's other charitable efforts to assist individuals and families in the Tri-county area who turn to hospice for help in their most vulnerable moments.

For additional information on the camp, visit www.hospiceofcharlestonfoundation.org or call 216-7323.

Hospice of Charleston Foundation
Hospice of Charleston Foundation is dedicated to supporting people facing end-of-life realities and expanding access to hospice services in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Founded as Hospice of Charleston, the organization has served patients and their families for more than 30 years.

The mission focuses on two program areas:
Bereavement Initiatives: Supporting children and adults grieving the loss of a loved one. Community events like Shannon's Hope camp for children and Candlelight Memorial Ceremony provide comfort for hundreds of people each year.

Educational Outreach: Supporting end-of-life care training for health care professionals and raising community awareness about hospice care and its benefits, including outreach initiatives of other groups.