Registration has begun for Hospice of Hilo’s Ohana Bereavement Camp, formally called Camp Maluhia, taking place July 20 at United Hawaii College in Hilo.
Registration has begun for Hospice of Hilo’s Ohana Bereavement Camp, formally called Camp Maluhia, taking place July 20 at United Hawaii College in Hilo.
The overnight camp is an opportunity for families, adults and children, to participate in projects and exercises to help cope with their grief of losing a loved one.
Each year, more than 30 individuals of all ages attend the event.
“Hospice of Hilo taught us how to fill a very important missing piece of our ohana,” said the Walker, Morante, Rodrigues and Hess families. “Camp Maluhia was a hit with our keiki. The activities were engaging and we can definitely use many of the skills shared.”
Interactive projects include puppet making, clay work, group and individual counseling sessions, and opportunities for families to work together to express their deepest feelings.
“Children grieve very differently than adults,” said Hospice of Hilo Bereavement Counselor Fujio Sato. “What adults see as play is really the child expressing their grief. This camp helps to bridge the ways parents and guardians express grief with that of their children and help everyone to move forward as a family.”
There is a $25 registration fee per family to help address the cost of food, room, and supplies. Space is limited so families are urged to call Fujio Sato at (808) 969-1733 as soon as possible to register. All participants must register by June 20.
“We’re really grateful to the Hawaii Island United Way and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. for helping to make this camp possible,” said Hospice of Hilo spokesperson An Umamoto.