ANTHC curriculum supports children’s grief and loss from cancer: Q&A with ANTHC Cancer Program for Tribal health organizations interested in hosting a Camp Coho
September 24, 2018
To address the need for grief support for children ages 6 to 12 who have experienced the death of a loved one from cancer, the ANTHC Cancer Program created a one-day grief camp called Camp Coho. The most recent camp, June 2018, hosted five male campers between the ages of 6 to 11 who experienced a safe, supportive environment with other kids just like them in Anchorage.
Often, loss from cancer in rural Alaska can have a widespread impact on our Native communities. To help bring healing closer to home, the ANTHC Cancer Program supports regional Tribal health organizations with resources to host their own Camp Coho for local community children.
Here are some common questions Tribal health organizations ask when they first pursue hosting a Camp Coho.
Why is there a need for resources in the Alaska Native community, especially for youth, like Camp Coho?
Children can be underestimated for their ability to grieve and experience distress due to the death of a loved one. Indeed, children are resilient. However, they also experience sadness, anger and sometimes guilt due to the death of a loved one. Camp Coho offers the space for children to be with others just like them to process their thoughts and emotions in a healthy manner.
How can attending Camp Coho help kids dealing with the loss of a loved one from cancer?
Camp Coho is a well-structured day camp offering children the opportunity to talk about the death of their loved one in a safe environment with other children who have endured similar experiences. Children are paired all-day with a Big Buddy who is responsible for their Little Buddy’s comfort and support. Children participate in three different Talking Circles, which explore the range of emotions that children might experience. Children also create memory boxes specifically about the person that died. Children take their memory boxes home to share with their families. The memory boxes allow participants to visit positive memories when they are feeling sad. Children learn during Talking Circles that it is OK to cry and that boys and girls cry when they are sad. They also learn that the sadness they feel will get better. Finally, children play, laugh, listen and observe one another as each goes through their own healing journey.
Why should a regional Tribal health organization host a Camp Coho?
ANTHC’s mission is to provide the highest-quality health services in partnership with our people and the Alaska Tribal Health System. Self-governance and self-determination are what have made our Tribal health system so successful. We strongly feel that regional Tribal health organizations should take ownership for programs like Camp Coho at the local level to be able to facilitate in a culturally responsive manner within their respective region. ANTHC staff are available to offer technical support and training for the camp logistics.
Does my Tribal health organization need clinicians to host a Camp Coho?
Camp Coho does not require a clinician on site during camp. However, having someone with a clinical background available can be helpful for making observations during camp and debriefing with parents at the end of the camp day.
How can ANTHC support a Camp Coho in my region?
ANTHC can offer training, technical assistance and on-site support to a regional Tribal health organization offering its first camp.
Where can my Tribal health organization go for more information on Camp Coho?
You can find more information about how to host a Camp Coho in your region by contacting Karen Morgan, ANTHC Program Coordinator, by email at kmmorgan@anthc.org or phone at (907) 729-4491.
Where can we go to find resources about cancer and cancer prevention?
You may find resources about cancer and cancer prevention by visiting ANTHC’s website at https://www.anthc.org/cancer-program/.