Care Farming Services for Children camp started Tuesday morning in the barn at Hillside Farms in Shavertown. The campers mucked calve stalls, prepared food for bunnies, Lilly and Lennon, and filled hay and water bowls for the sheep and goats. The camp provides a compassionate and healing space for children facing the difficult challenges of trauma.
A dozen children age 6 to 14 had the chance to lose themselves while helping the animals at the farm.
Campers spent time at the creek collecting rocks for a project, journaling and Noah’s favorite “free time," where he can visit with the animals or play in the field.
A special guest visited the children from Los Angeles, via Zoom.
On a large television in the education center campers heard the story of grief from Colin Campbell. He lost both of his children, Ruby and Hart, when a drunk driver hit the family vehicle and killed the backseat passengers.
After the deaths Campbell suffered grief and wanted to talk about his children. Friends would say “there are no words” or “I know how you feel," making the loss worse. Campbell became mad at the universe. The children nodded their heads in understanding while the grown up shared his loss with them.
One of the children shared the loss of his dad to cancer. Another said when she gets mad, bedtime helps. She can sleep without thinking of her loss. Another said they scream into a pillow while a tiny camper said she likes to “go outside" and "run around like crazy.”
Campbell’s goal of talking to others suffering loss is to make grief feel more normal. Though some may not know what to say to support someone suffering a loss, not talking about the loss makes the grief worse, he says.
