Published: July 25, 2008 11:57 am         

Camp SMILE successes

The editor:

It is our pleasure to report on the success of our recently completed Camp SMILE. St. Claire Hospice & Palliative Care in collaboration with the Morehead State University Nursing Department conducted the camp July 15-18.

Fifty-one children enjoyed a variety of activities and participated in group and one-on-one counseling. Camp SMILE is completely supported by donations, special fundraising and the generosity of volunteers. We have many groups and individuals to acknowledge for their contributions. MSU nursing instructors Teresa Howell and Nathania Bush, along with their students, collaborated with Hospice staff that included Georgia Ensor, Hospice Chaplain, Tiffany Fannin, LSW, and Melanie Hurst, LSW, to make the camp a huge success. We greatly appreciate the overall support from MSU. This included Rebecca McGinnis who arranged our classrooms and swimming activities, and Tony Johnson and his staff from MSU Aramark who provided great lunches.

One of the most beneficial camp activities was a “Question & Answer Panel” which allowed the campers to ask a range of questions. Our panel of experts consisted of Dr. William Melahn, Physician, Helen Northcutt, Funeral Home Director, and J.D. Hackney, Chaplain. We appreciate their donation of time and expertise. Pastor Tim Rhodes and members of the Elliottville Baptist Church provided van transportation for campers to afternoon activities, which was most helpful. Also, the crew at All Season’s Flower & Gifts made sure we had enough balloons for all the campers. The balloon release carrying letters to loved ones is a very meaningful event for the children. We are most grateful to Denver Brown, Stephanie Ockerman and The Morehead News who made sure needed camp information was published on a timely basis, which helped boost camp attendance. We want to also recognize Morehead Wal-Mart who contributed funds for the needed supplies and refreshments. Also, we want to thank Leanna Staggs and Dr. Ann Colbert for their contributions for the camper’s lunches and afternoon snacks. Pre-camp fundraising by the Pecco family and others along with “Adopt a Camper” participants provided funds for the purchase of bereavement materials for each child. Thanks to Sister Jeanne Frances for volunteering to help the camper with craft activities. Holbrook Embroidery Plus was once again able to provide great tie-dyed camp T-shirts in a short turn-around time. Our plan is to continue this valuable camp annually. It is open to any family in our region who suffered the loss of a loved one, not just Hospice affiliated families. Most of all we want to thank the campers and their families for allowing us to share this meaningful experience with them. For information about the camp and other hospice bereavement activities, call St. Claire Hospice & Palliative Care at 783-6808.

Robin Franklin, Director
St. Claire Hospice & Palliative Care