Sentara's Camp Lighthouse helps children and families cope with grief
When people learn that they’re not alone in experiencing loss, a weight is often lifted, and they find freedom in expressing emotions with others.
“My children experienced their first loss when their adopted grandfather, Tim, passed away,” said Susan Ewsuck. Susan and her two children, William and Galina, along with Doris, Tim’s wife of 51 years, attended Camp Lighthouse at Triple R Ranch in Chesapeake, Va.
The camp, hosted each year by Sentara Hospice Services, is a two-day retreat which caters to children and teens, ages K-12, who have lost a family member or friend within the past two years.
Children grieve differently than adults, and the trained professionals and volunteers (also known as Lighthouse Keepers) teach them how to process grief in ways that work for them.
Campers are divided into age-appropriate groups for a weekend of team-building games, crafts, archery, low rope climbing, picnics, campfires, a parade, and other fun activities.
"My favorite activity was archery,” said William. “Me and my teacher were the only ones who hit the yellow center. I really liked the rock wall too.”
“I liked roasting the s’mores, they were really good,” said Galina. "I think camp was a great way to let all of your feelings out, so you won't be as sad as you were before."
Sentara started Camp Lighthouse in 2006, and the Camp Lighthouse name was inspired by a former hospice patient. Its name was inspired by a former hospice patient, The patient’s dying wish was to make her young daughter a handmade quilt in the shape of a lighthouse. After the patient died, her friends and Sentara Hospice staff helped finish the quilt. It was a small gesture to help comfort a child who had lost her mother.
“We wanted to do something more for children in grief and that’s why we started Camp Lighthouse,” said Sabine Brent, director of Sentara Home Health and Hospice referral services. “There are programs like this all over the country, and after our quilt experience, the name came easy.”
At Camp Lighthouse, children meet others their own age who have also experienced loss. This creates a safe space for children to learn how to express their emotions, share stories, listen, and be seen by their peers.
Adults have their own group and participate in group discussions by the campfire, rock wall climbing, and deep-tissue massage.
"It was very easy to settle in,” said Susan. “At first, people were having to leave the room because it was too difficult, but by the end we were freely talking with each other about our stories and loved ones."
The Camp Lighthouse at Triple R Ranch in Chesapeake, Va. concluded with a memorial service, with each camper getting to speak about their loved one and how their experience at Camp Lighthouse has helped them in their healing journey.
After the memorial service, a group of white doves were released. White doves are often seen as symbols of purity, peace, and freedom. Releasing the doves is a way to honor and celebrate the lives of the camper’s loved ones.
"Everyone left a little lighter and with more hope than when they first got here,” said Susan. "I can even see my children going to school now and being more open about their emotions because they know that it's normal.”
"I would like to come here again,” said Galina. “This place was really fun, and I think this has been the best weekend.”
“Has this been the best weekend ever?” asked Susan. “Yeah!” exclaimed William.
To learn more about Camp Lighthouse and how to attend or volunteer, please visit: Camp Lighthouse (sentara.com)