HOWELL, Mich. – In early August, a group of local youth came together to begin a unique two-day camp experience. Each child, aged 6-17, had experienced a loss in their life and signed up to attend Ted and Jane's Camp Courage to help cope with their grief.

Ted and Jane's Camp Courage was a collaborative effort of the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospice. It was a free program for children in the community.

The 23 participants were watched over by 38 volunteers throughout the weekend. They participated in activities including an ‘ask the doctor' session, drumming, visiting animals, hiking and riding ziplines. They also participated in a moving candlelight boat launch, dedicated to their loved one.

“The candlelight boat launch was so very special,” explains Kate Ritter, St. Joseph Mercy Hospice bereavement coordinator and camp leader. “The boats drifted away on the quiet water with their candles gently flickering. When the candles went out, the clouds opened up and the stars could be seen briefly. On a rainy, cloudy weekend, that moment was incredibly special.”

The combination of outdoor activities, arts and music provided a variety of opportunities for the youth to share their grief. Ritter explains, “Sharing our grief is not only about talking, it's about drumming and howling and swimming and ziplining and mud puddles!”

According to Gwen Haggerty, president of the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation, “Camp Courage was a huge success. We were able to walk with these children down a very special path of grief and healing. Each and every participant brought his or her own unique perspective to the camp. As someone who has lost her parents, it was a healing process for me as well.”

Claire Corrin and Gabe Gatesman release a candlelit boat
into the water in honor of their loved ones

(left to right) Krissy Lovely, Claire Corrin and Emily Nowicki
share a light and freeing moment as they jump into the lake together.