HARRISBURG, Pa. - This Memorial Day weekend, kids from Pennsylvania and across the country took part in a camp in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., to help them learn to heal after losing a parent serving in the military. About 500 children attended what's known as "Good Grief Camp." It's put on by TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
According to TAPS spokeswoman Ami Neiberger-Miller, the kids learn, among other things, how to manage their feelings during life's milestone moments.
"We do see children who ask, 'Why isn't Dad here to help me learn to ride a bike?' Or, not here to go to my graduation."
TAPS estimates that about 4800 children nationwide are coping with the loss of a parent killed during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Neiberger-Miller said it's critical to offer those children a way to express their grief.
"So, you might see children here doing activities like pounding out anger on Play-Doh, or drawing life-size portraits of themselves that show how they're coping with grief and loss."
She explained that it takes about five to seven years for a family that has suffered a traumatic loss to create a "new normal" in their lives, and that the need for support from friends and the community never goes away.
A link to TAPS information is at TAPS.org.
According to TAPS spokeswoman Ami Neiberger-Miller, the kids learn, among other things, how to manage their feelings during life's milestone moments.
"We do see children who ask, 'Why isn't Dad here to help me learn to ride a bike?' Or, not here to go to my graduation."
TAPS estimates that about 4800 children nationwide are coping with the loss of a parent killed during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Neiberger-Miller said it's critical to offer those children a way to express their grief.
"So, you might see children here doing activities like pounding out anger on Play-Doh, or drawing life-size portraits of themselves that show how they're coping with grief and loss."
She explained that it takes about five to seven years for a family that has suffered a traumatic loss to create a "new normal" in their lives, and that the need for support from friends and the community never goes away.
A link to TAPS information is at TAPS.org.
Tom Joseph
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