ational recording artist and music therapist Neil Laffely, the "Musical Warrior" will be a guest counselor at this weekend's Katerpillar Kids Camp near Townsend, TN. Covenant Hospice is hosting the special weekend bereavement camp from Sept. 26th - 28th targeting children ages 6 to 18 who have experienced the death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or close friend. Laffely will work with each class of children to explore and express their feelings and memories through music.
Katerpillar Kids Camp offers a safe and accepting environment where children can share with others their own age who have experienced the death of someone close. Camp counselors provide information and education on grief, anger, guilt, and memories, while giving the children safe opportunities to express feelings about their loss. Parents also participate in the camp during the last day's entertainment and memorial service.
The camp is under the direction of a professional staff including physicians, professional counselors, nurses, ministers, school teachers and volunteers from Covenant Hospice, HABIT (Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee), the University of TN therapeutic recreation program, and area schools.
Ruth Fuson, Bereavement Coordinator for Covenant Hospice and Camp Director, says, "Two in ten children will experience the death of a parent during their childhood years. Many times we adults, in the midst of our own grief, are not able to deal with our children's grief as well when someone dies. Children feel abandoned, alone, angry, guilty, and sad just as we do. Our camp was established to help these children understand and express their feelings--to see the potential of the butterfly in their young caterpillar lives."
Neil Laffely, a Gallatin, TN native who was recently featured on "Good Morning America," uses the healing power of music to help children learn the everyday coping skills they need to overcome tragic losses. His presentation is a mixture of storytelling and music that educates and entertains kids of all ages.