Illness and death are a part of life, and so is the grief process that allows one to move toward hope, healing, and renewal. But for a child who has lost a loved one, the road can be filled with a silent pain that others may forget. Commonly called "silent grievers," children deal with the loss of a loved one in a unique way, and their path toward healing is different than adults. Bright Star is a specialized children's program for grief and loss that encourages the expression of grief experiences through creative, positive play within a peer group setting.

Bright Star provides a safe and supportive environment where children, tweens, teens and their families grieving the death of a loved one can share their experience. Our core staff of professionals facilitates children's groups. All have advanced degrees in Counseling and Social Work, as well as prior experience in dealing with bereavement.

Camp Bright Star

To lose a loved one is difficult and tragic for anyone whose life is affected by the loss. The expression of grief, although basic in nature, is often a learned behavior - a process. Young children, however, haven't had an opportunity to know what grief is or how to handle the flood of emotions they feel when experiencing the loss of a loved one.

To help children and their families heal and grow, Hospice of Health First sponsors Camp Bright Star twice a year (Spring and Fall).

• For children ages 5 to 12
• $5 per child: $10 for more than one child in the same family
• Scholarships are available
• Registration and fee are required before the day of camp
• NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED

Camp Bright Star offers children and their families a fun-filled day during which they can share their feelings, recognize their loss, and begin to heal.

The day's activities will include:

• A time to get acquainted
• Sports - PLEASE WEAR SNEAKERS!
• Arts and crafts n Informal sharing sessions
• Music
• Lunch - Be sure your child has good breakfast before coming to camp
• A time of remembering

Camp Bright Star activities will be led by Hospice of Health First's and the Bright Star Center's bereavement specialists, registered nurses, and volunteers.

Help Grieving Children by Volunteering at Bright Star

Volunteers provide the energy that keeps Bright Star shining brightly. After completing extensive training, Volunteers help facilitate groups under the direction of our core staff that make children and families feel at home. Volunteers come from all walks of life and contribute a few hours per month on a regular basis.

For more information about Bright Star or its programs, volunteering or providing financial support, contact us at 321.434.1744.

Bright Star is located at:
1131 W. New Haven Ave.
West Melbourne, FL 32904