Camp Solari is a bereavement camp for children and their families – it is one of Gary Polsky’s missions to positively impact the lives of people who have lost a loved one.  “My goal is to assist in eliminating potential dysfunction in these children and release them back into the world to look forward to life with joy, zeal, and enthusiasm,”  Gary Polsky, President and Founder stated after his first bereavement camp in 1999. Camp Solari is our opportunity to teach children - along with their families - healthy ways to express their feelings, meet others who are experiencing similar losses, and continue life while honoring the lost loved one.  This is done in a positive environment with some of the best grief and loss professionals in the country.  The camp is held in a removed location so that the families can focus on the issues and not the day to day hustle.  Camp Solari is supported through donations and fundraisers.  There is no cost to those who attend the camp!
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Our first Camp Solari was held in September 2004, which was so beautifully spiritual and successful.  Mount Charleston Lodge was the location for Camp Solari Las Vegas. The children and families stayed together in separate cabins.  Music, art, food, various counseling activities, fellowship, and much needed support were items participated in during the camp weekend.  The Mount Charleston Lodge location was breathtaking and was able to assist in the relaxation of all who attended.
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Our second Camp Solari was held in May 2006.  Jerry Meyer is Las Vegas’ Bereavement Counselor and he was able to attend this camp.  Here are a few inspiring thoughts that Jerry shared:

“This was my second Camp Solari and exceeded the first one by miles.  As a counselor at the camp, I thought I would kind of let everyone know how exciting it is to be a part of it and what it is like to work at Camp Solari from the inside.

Camp begins on Friday night with registration and dinner.  Almost everyone is a total stranger and the conversation is on the surface.  Even the first group activity, immediately after supper is full of unease with not knowing anyone there.

After breakfast the next morning, we broke up into small groups, groups that would be the source of support for the next 28 hours or so.  My group was the parents who had lost children.  The children are divided into small groups: Littles: ages 7-9, Middles ages 10-12, and, Teens ages 13-18. 

Within the groups (depending on age and circumstance), each person is asked to relate the story of their loved one's death, their emotions at the present, their hopes and dreams and how they think they are going to reach those.  There are activities within the groups - writing letters to those who have passed, letters to themselves to be read in the future, the sunglasses game (how the world looks different to them and how the world sees them differently since the death), and many, many others.  The kids participate in activities, games, etc. to help them face the grief that they are going through. 

By lunch everyone is opening up and by the last activity Saturday night, a candlelight memorial service, naming each deceased loved one, it is as though we had been friends for years - and remember, only 28 hours have passed since registration.

The final day is a little bit lighter, anticipating returning to our lives below.  Not believing all that we have gone through together, we have become bonded as friends.  WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!

The facility is incredible - 7800 feet high in the middle of the Spring Mountains, each family with their own log cabin, complete with a jacuzzi, fireplace, and a back porch overlooking the canyon with breathtaking splendor.

Many thanks to all of those who made this possible, especially to Gary [Polsky] for having this vision for the children of the community we serve.  We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to help them in this way.”

Thank you Jerry for your dedication to this camp!
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If you would like to help support Solari Hospice Foundation and Camp Solari, please send donations to:

Solari Hospice Foundation
4648 E. Shea Blvd., Suite A-230
Phoenix, Arizona 85028

For further information please call toll free (877) 795-8760 or send an email to foundation@solarihospice.net Thank you for your support in changing precious lives!