Children & Youth Programs
Grief Camp for Children and Teens
Children and teenagers, from ages 5 to 17, who have experienced the death of loved-ones deserve special support as they grieve. Saint John's Hospice recognizes the special needs of grieving children and has established Camp Hope to meet those needs. There is no charge to attend Camp Hope. Saint John’s is sponsoring the camp with generous support from the Saint John’s Foundation. The camp provides an opportunity to share feelings of loss with other children and caring adults, and to learn that these feelings are normal. Camp is usually conducted in August. The 2012 date has not been announced.
The camp environment stresses fun and enjoyment, with the opportunity for brief, informal group discussions led by trained facilitators. Children may enjoy swimming, nature walks, arts and crafts, games, campfires and other fun activities.
The experience is not designed as therapy, but as an enjoyable way to gently teach coping skills and build self-esteem and trust.
To learn about the many volunteer opportunities with Camp Hope or to register a youth to be a camper, contact Steve Cunningham at 646-8279.
Consent for Treatment of a Minor Child
Use this form as you travel and make provisions for someone to care for any of your children not going with you. This consent form and medical data questionnaire will be valuable should your child be ill or injured while you are away. Click Here for a pdf file, which you can print.
Saint John's-YMCA Kidz Marathon
On Saturday, May 19, hundreds of children will complete the Saint John’s-YMCA Kidz Marathon starting and ending on Saint John’s campus. The event is a collaborative project to foster improved health and physical fitness for children. The Kidz Marathon begins at 10 a.m. across from the Saint John’s main entrance at 20th and Jackson streets.
Children between kindergarten and eighth grade are encouraged to register for the 1.2-mile fun run. Over the past several months, Anderson YMCA and Saint John’s staff members have been educating students in local schools about healthy diet and exercise.
Many students will receive registration forms through school. Registration forms are available at the Saint John’s information desk and the Anderson YMCA. Forms must be returned to the YMCA by April 20. Registration is limited to first 1500 applicants who apply by the registration deadline. There is a $5 entry fee. Scholarships are available.
Many children began recording their step earlier this year and are working to walk or run the first 25 miles of the 26.2 miles in a regulation marathon before the event. On May 19 they will walk or run the final 1.2-mile lap. “All children are invited to participate on May 19, even if they have not joined in the pre-marathon challenge,” said Jimmy Byrd, YMCA executive director.
Kindergarten Round Up
Kindergarten Round Up, a free service provided through a collaborative effort with agencies in the community, is a comprehensive program for disadvantaged children entering kindergarten. Children received free physicals and dental and hearing screenings through the collaboration of Saint John’s and other community agencies. This event also connects the whole family to health and social services within the community. Many families establish medical homes as a result of bringing their kindergarten-aged child to this event.