BY autumn schanil

ROCK HILL — Every being has, or will, experience grief in some form during their life, and their experience will differ depending on the individual and their situation. Sometimes, grief is immediate, and sometimes, true grief doesn't surface for weeks or months after a death or tragedy, and may linger for years.

The Hospice Social Workers, Bereavement Volunteers and YMCA staff of Camp Chrysalis know this first hand and have made it their work to help children and the youth, who experience grief in unique and different ways than adults, heal through play, art, music, discussion and activities over the course of a three-day weekend with others just like them. They offer boating, a low ropes course, memory book creations, discussion, and a therapy dog in learning how to cope with the emotional process of grief.

This year will be the day-camp's fourth year running, and will be held August 23 - 25 at the YMCA of Sullivan County in Rock Hill, with a few new and exciting additions.

“For all three days of camp, we'll have Board-Certified Music Therapist Elisa Parker, providing group and individualized sessions to engage participants in music-based experiences,” said Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties' Director of Social Work and Bereavement, Kim Warner, “designed to assist them in achieving emotional healing.”

According to Warner, the younger children will learn to identify and develop coping skills with Parker through instrument playing, dancing, and singing, while the older children and teens will develop self-care strategies and self-confidence building through songwriting, music-inspired art projects, and opportunities for leadership. Even more special, the adults have an opportunity to take part in a music therapy session that will explore themes of healing both for themselves as well as for their children.

“On the last day of camp, these sessions culminate in an event where participants share songs that they have learned and composed over the course of the Camp Chrysalis experience,” explained Warner. “Overall, music therapy experiences foster healing in a safe, nurturing, and musically supported environment.”

On the final day, Sunday, August 25, Drummer Josh Robinson will also be coming to camp, working with both the children as well as the adults. Under his guidance, participants will be making their own drums in which they can bring home to keep up with their grief healing through music that they've learned or continue to learn.

“We try to offer the children the ability to express themselves,” Warner stated, “and work through their grief in as many modalities as possible.”

In addition to music this year, Camp Chrysalis will now be offering transportation to and from camp on all three days, courtesy of Friends of Hospice. Rolling V Transportation Corp. will provide pick up and drop off from both Monticello and South Fallsburg, with exact routes to be announced soon.

“We're grateful to be offering this important service, knowing this will allow more children and families to take part in this much needed program,” said Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties Director of Marketing and Development Janice Valentino. “We appreciate and thank Friends of Hospice as we know this will make a big difference to our families in Sullivan County.”

For more information on the free day-camp, to see their camp policies, or to access a registration and consent form go to hospiceoforange.com/camp-chrysalis-growing-through-grief or call Sharon Pluskalowski at 845-561-6111 ext 232.

The deadline for applications is August 9 and enrollment is limited so don't wait.