Chapters Health System, a premiere not-for-profit advanced illness and chronic care organization, today announced plans to host the 29th annual Camp Circle of Love the weekend of March 8-10, 2024, at Lake Aurora Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Lake Wales.

The camp hosted by LifePath Hospice, a Chapters Health affiliate, is for children ages five through high school. It is free of charge and open to any child in Hillsborough County who recently lost a loved one, regardless of circumstances.

“We welcome any child who is experiencing the complex emotions that come with grief,” said Katie Spence, senior manager of social services, Chapters Health System. “Their loss does not have to be associated with hospice and their loved ones don’t need to be a patient under the care of LifePath Hospice. When we say we want to help any child who has recently lost a loved one, we mean it. You are not alone. That’s what this camp is all about.”

In 2023, Camp Circle of Love welcomed 68 children. 51 of the children had no previous connection to the LifePath Hospice network of care. Four of the counselors involved in the camp previously attended as campers after losing a loved one.

The camp led by trained bereavement specialists and volunteers, includes activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, campfires, ziplines and team sports in addition to therapeutic activities and discussions designed to help campers process their grief and build relationships. The weekend culminates in an evening memorial service to honor lost loved ones.

“Year after year, I learn from our staff, volunteers and families how fulfilling this camp experience is,” said Reginald Riley, Ph.D, vice president of support services and patient experience, Chapters Health System. “It’s an unparalleled opportunity to directly invest in the lives of kids in our community who are experiencing grief. We thank the Hospice Women of Philanthropy who sponsor the camp and our community partners PAR Inc. and Bank of America who help us make this life-changing experience possible.”

Registration is required for attendance. Registration includes completing an application and participating in an interview with a LifePath Hospice counselor. Following the interview, families will be contacted with further information regarding camp attendance. You can find the Children’s Grief Camp 2024 Application HERE. For more information, call the LifePath Hospice Bereavement Department at 813.357.5610.

About Chapters Health System

As a progressive leader and premier healthcare organization, Chapters Health System is dedicated to delivering innovative care throughout chronic illness progression and beyond. Since 1983 as a community-based, not-for-profit organization, Chapters Health has provided choices, education and guidance through its managed affiliates. All offerings are provided to improve the patient/family experience well in advance of end-of-life needs. In 2023, Chapters Health was named a Top Workplaces USA award-winner; in 2022, earned certified status for information security from HITRUST and for the sixth consecutive year was recognized as a great workplace in the Aging Services category by the independent analysts at the Great Place to Work® Institute. To learn more, visit www.chaptershealth.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

About LifePath Hospice

LifePath Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System, is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that supports more than 7,300 patients each year in Hillsborough County as they face the challenges of advancing age and illness. Healthcare professionals and trained volunteers embrace the LifePath Hospice mission to make the most of life by relieving the suffering of patients and their families affected by serious health issues. Since 2008, the organization has been accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s premier healthcare accrediting body and in 2017 was awarded deemed status.

###

To view this release in a PDF, click here.