Families have fun at a previous ‘Ohana Bereavement Camp. (Photo courtesy of Hospice of Hilo)

MEDIA RELEASE

Registration has begun for Hospice of Hilo’s ‘Ohana Bereavement Camp, formally called Camp Maluhia, taking place July 20 and 21 at United Hawai‘i 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, over 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 `Ohanas,  “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 to register as soon as possible. All participants must register by June 20.

“We’re really grateful to the Hawai‘i Island United Way and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation for helping to make this camp possible,” Hospice of Hilo spokesperson An Umamoto said.

—For more information:

Fujio Sato at (808) 969-1733

hospice@hospiceofhilo.org