By Tammie Goins
Correspondent
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- School counselor Amy Hicks knows from experience how the death of a loved one tears children's lives apart.
That's why she's partnering with Hospice of Chattanooga to offer the Healing Hearts Camp to help children and teens cope with those losses.
"As a school counselor, I have unfortunately dealt with so many children who have experienced death," Mrs. Hicks said. "I felt the calling to do this camp (because) children grieve in very different ways than adults ... and some children do not even know they are grieving."
The camp will be held March 26 and 27 at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, 604 20th St. SE in Cleveland.
Mrs. Hicks, who works for Cleveland City Schools and operates her own nonprofit, Helping Paws Healing Hearts, will work with hospice staff using the arts, pets, music and movement to help children learn to manage their tumultuous emotions.
NEED TO KNOWWhat: Healing Hearts Camp at Blythe-Bower Elementary SchoolWhen: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 27Who: Children and teens 5-18 coping with loss of a loved oneAdmission: Free, but pre-registration deadline is todayContact: Amy Hicks, 595-5698 or Hospice, 892-4289, ext. 19422
Mrs. Hicks held her first camp two years ago with 26 children. She said the experience helps children find someone they can relate to and can open the door to additional counseling if needed.
"I have seen the power of the camps and the children walk away with the feeling of relief that they are not alone," Mrs. Hick said.
Susan Latta, director of bereavement services with Hospice of Chattanooga, said children sometimes need guidance in dealing with their grief.
"Death is a scary thing for a child. But dealing with it doesn't have to be," she said. "We want the kids to feel safe and have fun as they talk about their difficult experiences."
Tammie Goins is based in Bradley County. Contact her at tammiegoins@live.com.