This was the tough day.  It was a day of working through grief in various ways but fun was a huge part of it as well.

Nothing says "camp" like morning revelry.  Thom was awesome.

Parachute play is so much fun!  Even if we almost lost this little one...

This is Barton Foundation's ninth year of Camp Sunrise, and they have it down fabulously.  Nature collages, journals, group talks and power sticks are elements that allow the children to discuss their losses.

This was an interesting craft- Grief masks. So what is a grief mask? Firstly, think of it in a context of hidden emotions. People in bereavement often put up a brave front, or pretend that they are fine, when they're not. You might say they are actually putting on a "grief mask" to hide their true feelings from the outside world.  The children shared their emotions through the details they put on their masks.  Very powerful.

To give the counselors time to replenish themselves, we took a group to the beach.  It was an afternoon and play, laughter and discovery.  AND gorgeous sunshine.

Lighting a candle, for those who had died, was probably the most emotional activity of the camp.  While a guitarist played, each person shared their grief with all of us.

The church itself was magnificent.  Built in Goldfield, Nevada in 1907, portions of the church were dismantled and moved more than 300 miles to Lake Tahoe in 1947. The original wood beams, pews and paneling were preserved and still serve in the church. The cornerstone of the Goldfield church was placed in the southeast corner of the reconstructed sanctuary, which was completed in 1948.  There was something very powerful about sitting in this historic and spectacular setting, remembering those who have gone before us.