The participants and volunteers of the most recent Camp Logan, which was held Sept. 21, 2024 and hosted at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Owensboro. COURTESY OF CAMP LOGAN
Laughter and tears coexist at Camp Logan as kids find comfort in shared grief
BY HALEY DAVIS, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Grief is a confusing and all-consuming emotion for many of us adults – and kids are no exception.
As I stood at the door at the end of the day, thanking families for being part of Camp Logan, I felt a mix of emotions: sadness that Camp Logan is needed by so many, and pride in what we are doing to support kids grieving the loss of a loved one.
Camp Logan is a one-day event held each spring and fall for children who have lost someone special to them. The camp, originally established by Betty Medley-Wallace, a grief counselor at Glenn Funeral Home in Owensboro, had been running for many years before the pandemic. After the loss of my brother Logan in 2020, my mom, Karla Davis, frequently met with Betty. She expressed her desire to keep Logan’s memory alive, which led to the camp taking on a new name, adding deeper significance to our mission.
At Camp Logan, laughter and tears coexist, creating a space where kids can find comfort in shared grief. Logan’s spirit, love of Christ, and desire to help others drive the camp. He was always a listening ear, showing true empathy to friends and strangers alike.
During Camp Logan, we have art projects, group discussions, and a memorial service that encourages all kids to express themselves. Our volunteers often share their own experiences with loss, reinforcing that these kids are not alone in their grief.
What strikes me most is the kids’ willingness to open up. There’s something incredibly powerful about sitting with them as they share their stories. I see them finding comfort in each other, which is exactly what we aimed for – the feeling of being understood.
The growth of Camp Logan has been remarkable. Each session draws in more children and families eager to participate. As we close the camp each time, I see hugs exchanged, volunteers excited to return, and I feel proud of all that we are doing. We are building a network of support that extends beyond these few hours.
It’s a bittersweet reminder that we’re here because of something tragic. I often wonder what Logan would think of all this. Knowing him, I think he would be joyful at how his name is becoming synonymous with hope and healing.
As we wrap up our third Camp Logan, I’m reminded that grief is not just sorrow; it’s also love – love for those we’ve lost and love for each other as we navigate this difficult journey together. Camp Logan is a testament to that love, a place where we can be raw, real, and resilient. For me, it’s a way to carry Logan’s spirit forward, ensuring he is never forgotten.
Glenn Funeral Home offers Camp Logan free of charge to all interested in attending each spring and fall. For more information, feel free to reach out to them at (270) 683-1505.
Originally printed in the November 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
