Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A unique opportunity for children coping with the loss of a loved one is coming to Springfield next month.
A one-day grief camp, led by counselor Melissa Franzen, will take place April 12 at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park. The Camp is designed to help children better understand and process grief.
Franzen, the owner of Growth Abounds PLLC, works mainly with children and families, offering therapy, parent training, and consulting. Franzen says one of the biggest challenges families face after a loss is knowing how to involve their children in the grieving process.
“So often parents immediately go into planning mode — focusing on logistics like times, locations, and services,” Franzen said. “The kids are there, but they are often just swept along and not really part of that process.”
Franzen emphasized that open communication is very important when dealing with grief.
“First and foremost, you have to have a conversation,” Franzen said. “Adults sometimes assume children don’t understand or try to protect them from the reality of what’s happened. But it’s important to include them and allow them to process that grief.”
Franzen said the goal is to give children tools to navigate their emotions “Grief does not have a timeline,” she said. “This camp is about helping them learn how to work through those feelings and respond when they come up.
The camp, hosted by Staab Funeral Home, has been held for more than a decade. Throughout the day, children will participate in both large group activities and smaller breakout sessions focused on processing grief by reflecting on the past, present, and future. The camp also incorporates therapy animals, which Franzen says can make a meaningful difference.
“Having those service animals can be life-changing for many people,” she said.
The event will conclude with a special activity that invites parents or guardians to join their children, helping families continue the healing process together.
The event costs $10 to attend, and scholarships are available. Refreshments will be provided.
There is still time to register, families can visit kidsgoodgriefcamp.com or the Staab Funeral Home website and submit a completed form.
