Carolina Caring, with sponsorship support from WNC Bridge Foundation, hosted a special day camp held in June at McGalliard Falls in Valdese for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

The theme for camp this year was butterflies. Throughout the day, the butterfly served as a symbol of hope and growth and the many ways that love continues even after a loss. The children explored their emotions through music and discovered how rhythm, sound, and movement can express feelings that are sometimes hard to put into words.

As special keepsakes, each child painted a butterfly to take home and personalized a memory box to hold special items that remind them of their loved one. In addition, every camper received a “Grief Support Tool Bag” filled with comforting resources and practical tools to use in the days ahead.

The children shared stories and memories with the counselors throughout the day and enjoyed a pizza lunch and a walk to the falls where they participated in a meaningful activity by throwing rocks into the water to represent the ripple effect of grief.