Maryville, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University faculty, staff and students are again collaborating to offer a day camp to help children in the region who may be coping with grief and loss.

Camp C.O.P.E., an acronym for “courageously overcoming pain everyday,” is open to kids between the ages of 5 and 18.

The camp will operate July 18 for children ages 5-9, July 19 for ages 10-14, and July 20 for ages 15-18. All camp sessions will be at the Wesley Student Center, located east of the main entrance to the Northwest campus on Fourth Street.

The cost per attendee is $30, which includes two snacks during the day as well as activity supplies; discounts are available for families with three or more children. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is available online.

Elizabeth Dimmitt, a senior instructor of psychology at Northwest, organized the camp last year to assist grieving children and help alleviate a gap in community resources available to meet their needs.

Through traditional camp activities, such as getting-to-know-you games, obstacle courses, nature exploration, music, art and water games, children are encouraged to have fun while establishing friendships and a sense of belonging. The camp helps them explore feelings of grief while developing healthy ways to cope with those emotions. The camp also offers educational resources for parents and caregivers.

“We know that no two individuals experience grief in the same way and this is just a start,” Dimmitt said. “One day cannot erase the pain of such a significant loss nor would we try. However, gaining a few coping skills, realizing that other kids are going through something similar, and having a safe space to share their story can lay a foundation for healing.”

With the assistance of faculty, the camp also helps Northwest students gain profession-based experience through the development of resources and their interaction with children attending the camp. Participating Northwest students learn theories of grief and loss, gain an understanding of the development needs of children and practice their skills at the camp.

For more information about the camp or to offer assistance, contact Dimmitt at [email protected].

– Northwest News Release –