Ramsey June 20, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling, a non-profit in Ramsey, recently hosted its 15th Annual Camp Grief Busters, a camp for bereaved children and their families. The camp is held one weekend a year at the Stony Point Retreat Center in Stony Point, New York. This year, 42 children and 23 parents attended. Through games, activities, and an 18-booth carnival, campers are encouraged to remember that it is important to laugh and enjoy life, even in the wake of a tragedy. Bereaved parents are treated to massages and a wine and cheese party, while kids and teens make art, enjoy relay races, and build a giant “Grief Monster” that becomes the center of the camp’s motto: “Grief is Not a Monster to Hide From.” All campers participate in a candlelight vigil as a reminder that their loved ones will be remembered. Inserra Supermarkets catered the family picnic on Sunday. The giant sheet cake included a Grief Monster on it to celebrate the camp’s anniversary. This year’s major sponsors included Macy’s and Markit in addition to The Erin Ryan O’Grady Fund, which has sponsored the event for the past 14 years. Thanks to these companies’ generous donations, all families were able to attend the weekend-long camp for free. Directors Laura Hudson and Terry DeBrule thank the many local vendors and 25 volunteers who made this event so memorable. The community is invited to sponsor a child or family to attend camp or receive counseling at a drastically reduced fee by donating on the center’s website at www. heartsandcraftscounseling.org, or by mailing a check to 60 East Main Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446. To speak directly to a counselor, call (201) 818-9399. Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling was founded in 1994 by Board Certified Art Therapist Laura Hudson, and is co-directed by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Terry DeBrule. The organization serves families who are Hearts & Crafts marks 15th Camp Grief Busters Children and counselors meet with the Grief Monster. living with serious illness and loss and is dedicated to providing a safe, caring environment as families work through the healing process. Situated in a cozy carriage house to create a home away from home, the counseling center has an art room, family room, and loft to replace the conventional psychotherapy office. Clients of all ages receive both individual counseling and support groups. Over the past 17 years, Hearts & Crafts has grown from serving 20 families to working with approximately 250 children and adults each year. Funding is secured through individual charitable donations and modestly priced counseling fees. Hearts & Crafts is located at 60 East Main Street in Ramsey. Call (201) 818-9399 or visit www.heartsandcraftscounseling.org.