In 1992, representatives from the Volusia County School System and Halifax Health – Hospice partnered to address the needs of grieving children. Through that partnership, a Children’s Bereavement Program was created. Halifax Health – Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Karen Grant, presented the first Camp BeginAgain in May 1993, which hosted 26 campers and 30 volunteers.
At Camp BeginAgain, campers experience fun recreational activities with grief sharing discussion groups to create a safe environment where they can express their grief with others who have had similar feelings. Originally an annual weekend camp, Camp BeginAgain, was such a great success that after five years of providing grief support to hundreds of campers, bereavement services were expanded to the community and the first Grief Center opened in Daytona Beach. Several years later, a second Grief Center opened in Deland. At both centers, the BeginAgain program provides specialized grief counseling and support for children and their families year-round. The program provides grief services to children ages 4-18 who experienced the death of a loved one, including traumatic losses, i.e., suicide, overdose, and homicide.
Today, Camp BeginAgain is a family day camp that brings together families from all across our community who have suffered a loss. The families participate in therapeutic activities to help support their grieving process, including creating expressive art projects together, completing outdoor initiatives, experiencing nature-driven grief rituals throughout the day, then culminating with an outdoor healing ceremony honoring their loved ones by sharing messages, live music and storytelling. This year’s camp will be held on Saturday, November 12, at Cracker Creek in Port Orange, Florida. For more information, visit halifaxhealth.org/camp-beginagain-helping-children-grieve.
CJ Favale, NCC, LMFT
Bereavement Counselor
Ginamarie Francolino, LMHC, NCC
Bereavement Counselor
