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Over the years of working in the grief counseling field and coordinating the local Grief Support Series, Gretchen Kirvida came to realize that there was an unmet need for children who were experiencing their own particular world of grieving. She said children may harbor feelings of being responsible for a death or have questions about terminal medical conditions that go unaddressed.

Working in concert with a number of professionals and local sponsors Kirvida now has “Camp Triumph” to offer area children, ages 8 to 18 years.

“Camp Triumph” takes place the weekend between Mothers Day and Memorial Day, May 19, 20 and 21. The camp welcomes all youngsters who have had a parent, grandparent or sibling or someone close who has died. “Anyone who could benefit from being with other youngsters in similar situations is welcome,” Kirvida said.

The program will bring together medical professionals, counselors and others who will spend time with campers in activities, doing art projects, playing sports and a host of other therapeutic settings, all with a theme of building the child’s skill at overcoming obstacles and dealing with loss.

Sponsorship that makes this camp possible is through Fairview Healthcare and its auxiliary, the RiverBank in Chisago City (proceeds rom the coffee-hot chocolate counter) the Roberts-Eckert Funeral Home in Forest Lake and Tee-Up for Hospice golf day proceeds.

Registration is $20 which is held until the camper arrives and refunded. “The $20 is just to hold your spot so we know you are coming,” Kirvida explained. And, anyone who has difficulty fronting the registration fee won’t be turned away.

Call Gretchen Kirvida at 257-8850 or ask for Karen Campbell, who can also assist in registering.

“We have such a wonderful community of caring volunteers, nurses, trained staff to allow us to offer this safe and professional experience.”

Kirvida described the counseling portion as being designed to help youngsters get in touch with what they are feeling, and to “normalize” the affect the loss is having on their lives, and that there are no expectations for on-going involvement in any additional programs. Camp activities will be age-appropriate.

“Camp Triumph” is located just across the St. Croix river between Farmington and Osceola, only a 15 or 20-minute drive. Housing is in a dorm-style facility; plus a dining area, swimming, volleyball, climbing wall and many other physical activities, arts, crafts and there’s a magic show scheduled.

Camp opens about 5 p.m. Friday and there’ll be a pizza party and campfire. The Sunday morning departure includes a “closing ceremony” that all family members will be welcome to attend.

The camp is limited to 30.

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