Over the past 28 years, Delaware Hospice has hosted Camp New Hope. This year, close to 100 campers participated in two 1-week Camps in Bear and Milford. Camp New Hope in Bear was June 19th-22nd at Lums Pond State Park and Camp in Milford was hosted at the Delaware Hospice Center June 26th- 29th.
Each Camp invited children and teens ages 6-17 who have lost a loved one to attend the free four-day camp. Camp incorporates traditional camp activities along with age appropriate bereavement activities. “Many times, children do not have the opportunity to meet other kids who are going through similar experiences,” commented Camp New Hope Director, Earline Vann, BS, CT. “Camp gives kids the opportunity to mourn their loss but to remind them that they are not alone.”
No families are charged for Camp New Hope.
Camp New Hope is the capstone of New Hope, a program of Delaware Hospice. Camp New Hope is a four-day inspiring summer day camp. Through a variety of activities, campers have opportunities to interact with other children who have experienced loss. The camp also offers group projects, counseling, individual support, education, and free time to allow children to process emotions and ask questions. Finally, the camp hosts a special memorial service, which celebrates and honors the life of each child’s loved one.
Delaware Hospice established New Hope as a free program to serve children and teens during their time of grief. New Hope Counselors have provided support, counseling, and education to close to 10,000 children, teens, and their families through a variety of free workshops, support groups, individual counseling, and a summer camp.
When children and teens experience the death of a loved one, their set of needs are different from adults. Children and teens grieve at their development level and must navigate a range of
emotions, including fear, anxiety, and insecurity. As they grow, they learn ways to process and cope with their loss. With the help of New Hope, children and teens are able to grow with their grief and find “new hope.” New Hope is a nationally recognized program in Delaware specifically designed for children and teens who are coping with the death of a loved one.
Delaware Hospice is able to host Camp each year due to the generosity of organizations and individuals. A special thank you to
- Atlantic Community Thrift Shop
- Ben Fournier Photography
- Camden Wyoming Meat Market
- Chick-fil-A, Bear
- Dover Rent All
- Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay
- Herr’s Potato Chips
- Kenny Family Foundation
- Law Dogs, Delaware Chapter
- Madison’s BBQ
- Mid-Del Charitable Foundation
- New Castle County Youth Philanthropy Board
- Parsells Funeral Home
- Seaford Ice
- Sposatos Landscaping
- The Christmas Shop Foundation
- The Szewczyk Family
- WaWa, Bear
- Woodside Farm & Creamery
About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided the highest quality hospice and healthcare services, and serves as a trusted community partner in end-of-life education and support. Accredited by the Joint Commission, Delaware Hospice continues to be the largest and only licensed, non-profit, community-based hospice serving Delaware. Now also providing care in Pennsylvania; southern Chester and Delaware counties.
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