(San Marcos, TX) – CTMC Hospice Care is now accepting applications for Camp HeartSong, a special bereavement camp for children ages 8 to 17 who have experienced a death of a family member or significant loved one in the last year. Camp dates are June 3, 4 and 5, 2009.

Camp HeartSong will be held at John Knox Ranch, a beautiful 300 acre camp facility located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country on the banks of the Blanco River, six miles from Wimberley. Kids will spend three days and two nights in camp lodges supervised by trained adult camp counselors including a licensed social worker and registered nurse.

Camp HeartSong provides a safe harbor for children to express feelings of grief and loss in a safe, peaceful environment. Bereavement activities using art, crafts and music are threaded into fun camp activities including swimming, tubing, hiking, photography and a camp side bonfire. A bereavement counselor will conduct individualized counseling and support groups.

“When a young child experiences a significant death such as a parent or sibling, the loss can have a detrimental effect,” said Lisa Adams, Public Relations Coordinator for CTMC Hospice Care. “We believe emotional comfort is important for acceptance after a loss, just as encouragement from their loved ones. At Camp HeartSong, our goal is to walk with these children along the road to recovery.”

Camp HeartSong is funded through the CTMC Seasons of Sharing annual campaign and through the generous donations from community members. There is no cost for the children to attend and meals and snacks are provided; however, space is limited.

For an application to Camp HeartSong, or for more information about volunteering to be a counselor, please call CTMC Hospice Care at 512-754-6159.