The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into a lot of people’s plans this summer. One of the main activities to be cancelled are summer camps.
Each year, Mercy Health – Hospice, Paducah hosts Camp Robin. This day camp provides support and counseling to children who have suffered the loss of a family member or friend.
The camp consists of therapeutic activities in a fun, safe environment to help kids ages four to 17 deal with grief. It is offered for free to children and their parents or guardians living in western Kentucky and southern Illinois.
Like many other camps this summer, Camp Robin was unfortunately cancelled. However, this did not stop camp organizers from making these kids feel supported.
Throughout June, hospice team members have been delivering care packages to each registered camper. The packages are personalized for each child’s particular loss and included items such as letters, books, coloring pages, activities and crafts.
“I look forward to each day when I get to make these deliveries,” says camp volunteer Melinda Dew. “It is so important to continue to offer that acknowledgement, understanding and support to the grieving people in our lives. It has been such a blessing putting these packages together. We have seen many of these campers grow up.”
This year would’ve been the camp’s 15th edition. While still sad about this summer, camp organizers are already focused on the return of Camp Robin in 2021.
Mercy Health – Hospice, Paducah is committed to providing support for both patients and their families during times of transition, illness, death and grief.
At Mercy Health, we strive to support the well-being and individuals in our communities. Learn more about our mission, vision and values.
