March 20, 2017 (Fort Worth, Texas) – To the child who lives in anger over a murdered parent, the grandchild who has anxiety about visiting hospitals, and the sibling who sleeps with sister’s shirt because it still smells like her – Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro de la Vida offers hope. At Camp El Tesoro de la Vida, children escape the suffocating feeling of grief and enter a world of healing and peace. A week-long camp planned with 90% fun and 10% counseling awaits children ages six to 17 who have experienced the loss (death) of a loved one.
Summer 2017 marks a significant milestone for Camp El Tesoro de la Vida – founded in 1988, this will be the 30th group of campers to participate in the program. In addition to helping youth in the immediate community, the program has made both national, and world-wide impact. Volunteer Director Denis Cranford was presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008 for his work with the program by Laura Bush. After a tsunami hit in 2011, representatives from the National Camp Association of Japan visited El Tesoro de la Vida each week for five years, and replicated the program at a new grief camp in Japan.
More than half of the youth attending El Tesoro de la Vida do so on scholarship, which would not be possible without generous donors. This year’s benefit dinner is Wednesday, April 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Cendera Center in Fort Worth. While there is no cost to attend the event, funds raised through donation, silent, and live auction provide scholarships for campers.
This summer’s program begins July 30 and ends with a closing ceremony on August 5. At the ceremony, campers place rocks painted in memory of their loved one at the base of a newly planted tree. Due to the uniqueness of El Tesoro de la Vida, each application is reviewed by a licensed therapist. Therapists will begin making calls for family interviews in May. Camper applications for the program are now available, with an application deadline of July 14. Acceptance to El Tesoro de la Vida will be based upon the counselor interview and recommendation. For more information on the program, application process, or donor activities, contact Camp Fire First Texas.
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