Camp Swan 2020

Camp Swan is a bereavement camp for children ages 7-12 who have lost someone significant. You must fill out this application and consult with our social workers before your child can be approved for camp. After you submit your application, one of our licensed social workers will reach out to you via phone to discuss your child's needs and situation.

EVENT DETAILS:

ATTENTION your child is NOT assured a spot at camp without calling (228) 575-6251 for evaluation purposes.

To ensure every child has the ability to attend camp, it is our policy that the camp be a one time experience.

Once confirmed for camp you will receive a call from our Camp Nurse to confirm dietary and medical needs.

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What is Camp Swan?

Camp Swan is a 3-day/2-night camp for children ages 7-12 who have lost someone significant in their lives. Camp Swan is designed to provide an experience in outdoor living combined with activities to facilitate grieving in a fun, natural and spiritual setting.

The camp is staffed by volunteer counselors including social workers, nurses and adults from the community. This weekend camp can accommodate up to 40 children. The funding source for Camp Swan comes from donations from the community directed to Camp Swan and the Akula Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation.

Campers are organized into four groups:

Younger Boys ages 7-9 Younger Girls ages 7-9

Older Boys ages 10-12 Older Girls ages 10-12

Each group will have a lead social worker and a team of volunteers assigned to work with them throughout the weekend. Each group will pick its own name which will create a sense of group identity.

Campers will follow a schedule which will include meals, snacks, small & large group activities, and recreational activities. Recreational activities include an obstacle course, nature walks, and physical exercise time. Activities will include art, music, dance, group and individual discussions. These activities are designed to help the campers better understand and express their feelings of grief and anxiety.

Camp Swan is open to ALL children ages 7-12 who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. Admission is given on a space available basis. It is anticipated that Camp will provide a healing experience for bereaved children and further enhance a feeling of service and goodwill in the community.

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Dear Parent/Guardian,

Thank you for your willingness to participate in Camp Swan. This section includes information about Camp Swan. Please read carefully the following sections and be sure to have it completed when you drop your child off at Camp on Friday.

We are including a list of things to bring to Camp…and things NOT TO BRING. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BRING A CELL PHONE. We have a very solid schedule of activities and make every attempt to remove all distractions.

In order to comply with safety policies, a security check must be completed on all volunteers prior to attending camp. Each volunteer must have attended a mandatory training session. This is to ensure the ultimate level of safety and security for your child.

The Camp is sponsored by Mississippi Canon Hospice and The Akula Foundation. We at Canon Hospice and The Akula Foundation consider it a great privilege to offer this Camp to your child(ren). There is no fee for attending; however, we do accept donations to the Akula Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Camp Swan is made possible because of the incredible support  and  sponsorships from the community, our supporting organizations, and fundraising efforts of Canon Hospice and The Akula Foundation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (228) 575-6251. Sincerely,

The Camp Swan Team

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Please mark all items with your child’s name and be sure to pack enough changes of clothes for three (3) days. ANY ITEMS OF VALUE SHOULD BE LEFT AT HOME. Do not bring “new clothes” to camp as clothes are easily soiled or damaged in the outdoors and with craft activities. No Open-Toed Shoes.

CLOTHING

Underwear

Shorts or Long Pants 

T-shirts

Closed-toe shoes 

Hat

Pajamas 

Raincoat/Poncho

Shower Shoes (flip-flops)

TOILET ITEMS

Towel & washcloth 

Toothbrush & toothpaste 

Soap & shampoo 

Comb/brush

Pillow

Twin sized sheets

Blanket or Sleeping Bag 

Laundry Bag

 

OPTIONAL

Camera Watch 

Sunglasses

Bible/Devotional material 

Stationary

Flashlight & batteries

DO NOT BRING!!!!!

Cell Phone 

Ipod/CD Player 

Knives

Food 

Laptop/Tablet 

Cash

Curling Iron 

Handheld Games 

Jewelry

Radio 

Fireworks

Electronic Policy: It is Camp Swan’s policy to not have electronic devices during the 3 day period. We found it a distraction from the therapeutic process and goals of Camp Swan. Camp Swan counselors respectfully request that all electronic devices be kept at home. If an electronic device is found to be distracting to the camper or other campers, one of the counselors will take the device and label it with their name and return it to the family at the end of camp.

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CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

Camp Swan is staffed by professionals who are ethically bound to maintain confidentiality and to protect individuals from harm. Your child’s confidentiality will be kept unless concerns for safety become apparent.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR CAMP SWAN

The more your child knows about camp, the better they will feel. Express to them how proud you are as a parent/guardian of their journey to camp. We would ask that you not tell your child they can “come home” if they are having a difficult time as this will only make it more difficult to adjust. Please read through the activities list and encourage them to have FUN!

HOW WILL THE CAMP SWAN STAFF DEAL WITH HOME-SICKNESS

The “cure” for home-sickness is TIME and LOVE. Time coupled with the love and support of counselors and even other children at the camp is what makes children want to stay. Our counselors are here to help your child through this experience and are always available for comfort and encouragement. In many years of dealing with children during camp; we have been able to handle all cases of home-sickness and have rarely sent a camper home early.

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PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD TO CAMP ON FRIDAY, March 6, 2020 -  BETWEEN 5:00-5:30 PM

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PLEASE ARRIVE FOR CLOSING CEREMONIES AT CAMP ON SUNDAY, March 8, 2020 At 10:00 am SHARP 

** Closing ceremonies will start promptly at 10:00 am on Sunday.  All family is encouraged to attend. 

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