The Camp Monroe pool was a favorite spot for campers to cool off.

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Chris Fore led a group of campers in song during Sunday's service of praise and worship.

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Saturday's team-building activity required everyone to help raise this parachute.

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Campers got to make something in memory of their loved one at the arts and crafts table.

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Noran Sanford led a group of campers on an exploratory hike through the Camp Monroe forest.

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It was boys vs. girls in a fierce game of tug-of-war.

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Twenty-seven campers and 19 counselors and junior counselors enjoyed Camp Spinoza 2012.

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The live butterfly release at the close of camp symbolizes the renewal of life and the presence of hope.

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Staff Report

Hospice of Scotland County hosted 27 youngsters at this year’s Camp Spinoza.

Held each year at Camp Monroe in Laurel Hill, the overnight camp is for children between the ages of 5 and 13 who have lost a loved one during the previous year. Sponsored by Hospice and the Scotland Memorial Foundation, Camp Spinoza is offered at no charge to campers. It was held June 2 and 3.

Activities included arts and crafts, games, a campfire and a memorial candlelight service. Each child released a live butterfly during the closing ceremony, symbolizing the renewal of life and the presence of hope.

“The goal of the entire weekend is to help children understand that they have a support system,” says Tanya Williams, bereavement care cooridinator at Hospice. “Camp Spinoza offers children a chance to get out in a relaxing environment where they can sort through their emotions and be with others who are experiencing the same thing.”

Camp staff included Hospice volunteers, staff and adult and youth counselors from the community.

Camp Spinoza is always held the first weekend in June. For information, visit www.scotlandhospice.org, or contact Tanya Williams at (910) 276-7176.