An especially violent summer has made the work of some Chicago nonprofits helping children to cope with the loss of a loved one more relevant than ever.
Camp Sheilah is a weekend of activities held at the end of August that's primarily intended to help traumatized children between ages 7 and 17 heal.
“If you talk to anybody who's lost a family member to violence and homicide, you never, ever get over it,” Dan Kotowski, president and CEO of Kids Above All, told WBBM Newsradio.
Kotowski, whose organization has partnered with Camp Sheilah, said activities such as climbing and other outdoor activiities are used to help children cope with the trauma.
“We call it adventure therapy,” he said, adding that the theme is “My Story.” “Part of building a better life is helping them piece back your life, brick by brick, and that's by telling your story and your story is stories of resilience.”
The camp runs Aug. 27 through Aug. 29 and will be virtual on two days and in-person on one. More information can be found at kidsaboveall.org.
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