The Climb: A Workshop to Help Youth Overcome Loss is scheduled from 1 to
4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Great River Hospice House, 1306 S. Washington
Road, West Burlington.
Sponsored by Great River Hospice, the free program is for youth ages 8
to 15 who have experienced a loss that has greatly affected their lives.
Participants will celebrate the lives of their loved ones, connect with
peers facing similar experiences, conquer physical obstacles – the
rock-climbing tower at Great River Wellness Gym and an obstacle course
– while learning how to conquer emotional barriers and create keepsakes
in remembrance of their loved ones. The workshop will conclude with planting
a tree donated by Zaiser’s Landscaping in memory of participants’
loved ones.
“The main goal of this program is to let youth know they are not
alone and that there are other children going through the same thing,”
said Great River Hospice social worker Megan Woodard, program coordinator.
“The Climb was developed after we surveyed grief services in the
area and discovered there were few resources for youth. Schools do a good
job of supporting youth who have lost loved ones, but sometimes other
resources are needed to support moms, dads and kids.”
The program will be led by Great River Hospice social workers and nurses,
and a chaplain.
The Climb: A Workshop to Help Youth Overcome Loss is funded, in part, by
February’s Pack It in Pink fundraiser at Southeastern Community College.
An optional parent session from 1 to 2 p.m. will include a discussion on
children’s reactions to grief and loss, and ways to support them.
It will be led by Great River Hospice social worker Barbara Miller and
Kim Rector, a teacher who guided her young children through the loss of
their father.
Registration is required for both programs. For more information, or to
register, please call Great River Hospice at (319) 768-3387 or toll-free
(877) 404-4766.