WHITEVILLE – Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a no cost, one-day camp for families with children coping with the death of a loved one. It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at New Life Church of God, 107 Maultsby St. in Whiteville.

Space is limited. Registration is required. To register, call 910-515-66899 or 910-796-7991.

“Children grieve differently than adults and experience many emotions they’ve never had to face,” Kristen Rudy, children and youth bereavement counselor, said. “They may not feel comfortable talking about these emotions with their parent(s), because they know seeing them sad makes their parent(s) sad. If it’s a mother or father they’ve lost, they may be living in constant fear of losing the other parent. They may feel they have no one to talk to about this, so they carry this fear with them. Therefore, children frequently feel all alone in their sadness and anger in having lost a loved one.”

LCFH’s no cost grief support programs are specifically geared toward meeting children’s needs. Family Day allows children and family members to laugh and play with others who have also experienced a recent loss. The event is staffed by Lower Cape Fear professionals and trained volunteers who understand the importance of feelings experienced by grieving children.

The day includes inflatables, games, crafting, and other fun events. A light lunch will be provided. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany children.

Throughout the year, LCFH offers compassionate care, educational, and enrichment opportunities that support many types of loss in safe and familiar environments. Grief counseling services are available to LCFH patients’ families, as well as others in the community.