GAINESVILLE - Children and families were enlightened Sunday at a local empowerment camp. Those who have lost loved ones were supported and shown how to work through feelings of grief. 

 

Hailey Scott is feeling a wide range of emotions. Especially after losing her mom five years ago. 

 

"It was really sad for me, because I felt really bad and I could't talk to anybody and I just wanted to hide it all away," Scott said.  

 

She is surrounded by kids just like her today at Camp Safe Haven. 

 

Bereavement counselors like Vonceil Levine, teach families how to find inner peace after losing someone they love. By using arts and crafts, team building activities and just showing love and support, children really start to let go of their pain. Their hoping to feel different emotions after today.

 

" Wer'e providing a grief support camp for families. Providing support and encouragement, enlightenment and empowerment," Levine said.

 

As the children looked for inner peace today, they tell me they felt safe knowing that they had people who care about them. 

 

They also made friends they could feel secure sharing with. 

 

Hailey being a prime example of how therapeutic activities, love and support from others really do help in managing grief. 

 

The camp safe haven program is put on by Haven Hospice. This was their fourth annual empowerment camp event and is designed to especially target children six through twelve years old. Haven Hospice is a community based not-for profit program that provides end of life care for individuals and families.