Hospice of Hilo hosts Family Bereavement Camp

Families gathered recently at the scenic Kukaiau Ranch in Paauilo to attend Hospice of Hilo’s Family Bereavement Camp.

Children and adults participated in myriad activities to process and find healing in their grief, including art therapy, sharing sessions and visiting with horses on the property.

Julia Hoke and her nine children attended.

“The camp was really wonderful. I saw my children open up a lot about the pain of losing their father,” Hoke said. “It was another step to help our family learn how to deal with our grief in healthy ways.”

Hospice of Hilo was helped in this effort with money from Hawaii Island United Way, Friends of Hawai‘i Charities, Rotary Club of South Hilo, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association and the Combined Federal Campaign.

“We’re so incredibly grateful to the sponsors that made the camp possible and also to organizations like the Waimea Lions Club, Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center, Rotary Club of South Hilo and Rotary Club of Kona for volunteering their time,” said An Umamoto, Hospice of Hilo development, public relations and education coordinator. “A special thanks also goes out to David DeLuz Jr. for generously allowing Hospice of Hilo to use his property to host the camp.”

“It is really a special time for families to come and work together to find each other and glimmers of light, hope and joy during what can be a very dark time in their lives,” said Hospice of Hilo children’s bereavement counselor Fujio Sato.

Hospice of Hilo provides free bereavement services to children and adults in the community who have lost a loved one whether or not the individual received hospice care. Call 969-1733 or visit www.hospiceofhilo.org for more information.