ELBERTA, Ala. — Camp. The word just makes you want to run and jump, as you remember splashing in the lake, canoe rides and whispering after lights out.

That’s just just what Camp Odyssey Administrator Lorry Chapman and Camp Director Kim Smith want. But the campers at Camp Odyssey are a little different.

“The campers are ages 6-14 and have lost a loved one,” said Chapman.

“That can be a grandparent or they are grieving a pet,” added Smith.

Chapman said children often grieve a loss differently than adults, and put on a brave face so the adults in their lives are not upset.

Camp Odyssey, at Camp Baldwin in Elberta, will take place Sept. 10-11. The camp has room for 50 campers, and is free.

Parents or guardians may get an application by contacting Chapman or Smith at Odyssey VistaCare Hospice Foundation. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.

Although the emotions campers deal with are not fun, both women say the campers enjoy themselves. The camp was founded in 2009.

“We have a lot of fun,” said Smith. “We mix in counseling so the kids don’t know that is happening. The children enjoy art, swimming, playing and going on boats.” Smith added there would also be “zip lines” for the campers to try.

Both women stressed that the camp is a fun, not morbid, experience.

“They can write a letter to their loved one,” said Chapman, adding campers that don’t have good writing skills can draw or use stickers. Campers may send their messages out to sea or they can keep them.

The idea is to show children that they are not alone dealing with a loss.

“We had students from a local school come last year,” said Chapman. “They all suffered a loss, and while they knew each other, they didn't know the others had had a loss, too.”

Smith recalled one camper who experienced a loss and was “very closed off.”

“She did not want to interact, and she just looked like she didn’t want to be there,” Smith said. “By the second day, she realized she was not alone.” Smith noted the girl had curled her hair for the first time in a while, and was acting more like a normal youngster.

Adults are needed to serve as camp counselors. Training will be provided by Odyssey VistaCare Hospice.

To apply to be a counselor or sign someone up as a camper, call 251-621-2500.

“Volunteers will get as much or more than the kids will,” said Chapman. “The idea is you are not alone.”