Camp Coho supports Alaska Native children who have lost a loved one to cancer
September 9, 2016Categories: Healthy People and Prevention
One of the unique and powerful ways ANTHC helps provide better health, wellness and healing to the Alaska Native people we serve is by leading and supporting efforts like Camp Coho, a one-day camp that helps Alaska Native children 6 to 12 years of age share their feelings about losing a loved one to cancer. Children’s needs are sometimes overlooked as a family manages the illness and death, and there are few resources that help children understand their feelings of loss and grief. Camp Coho pairs each child with a “Big Buddy” who has also lost loved ones and lets campers interact with other children who have lost family members or friends. Camp Coho also provides fun activities and the camp incorporates Alaska Native cultural values. Camp Coho is made possible through funding from the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation and in partnership with our Tribal health partners. Camp Coho will be held on October 1 in Anchorage. Camp Coho is limited to 20 children and is open to families across Alaska by submitting an application to the ANTHC Cancer Program. For more information about registering for Camp Coho or to learn about opportunities to bring the Camp Coho program to your community, contact the ANTHC Cancer Program at cancer@anthc.org.