| Brett's Rainbow |
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What is Brett's Rainbow? Brett's Rainbow is a family day camp at offered to children ages 5 to 18 who have experienced the death of a family member or other significant person in their lives.The camp is offered free of charge and is made possible by community contributions to Palmetto Health Hospice. Participants have a chance to share their feelings and experiences with each other under the guidance of trained counselors. Brett's Rainbow helps:
Mission Statement Brett's Rainbow Bereavement Camp is committed to improving the emotional, psychological and spiritual health of grieving children across South Carolina. We will achieve this mission by providing professional, compassionate care and a safe place for children to share their thoughts and emotions; and provide positive support to facilitate a better understanding of the nature of grief and a beginning of the healing process. History of Brett's Rainbow
Brett was born in New York City in 1979 and his mother died several years later. Little is known about Brett before he came to Columbia. In 1987 Brett was placed in the custody of the Richland County Department of Social Services. For the last year of his life, Brett finally had a home. His foster mother, who also had four children of her own, provided the love Brett needed. Throughout the final stages of Brett's disease, he was surrounded by his foster family and by the staff and volunteers of both Hospice and Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, where he frequently was a patient. Brett wanted to know that his life was important. This camp is the fulfillment of a promise made to him. Because of Brett's Rainbow, the lives of other children grieving the loss of a loved one will be enriched. Staff and Volunteers The staff and volunteers working at Brett's Rainbow are specially trained to work with children who have lost someone they love. Camp staff include...
Camp Schedule Kids and adults meet separately for their first two classes before attending a fun fair together in the afternoon. Afterwards, campers are together for the third class, which concludes with a candlelight memorial service. Ideally, at least one parent or adult guardian will attend camp with each child. Additional adults are welcome to attend. However, if no adult is available to attend, an adult volunteer will be assigned to be the child's "buddy" for the day. Lunch and supper are provided at no cost. Camp Applications |
The camp name and spirit of Brett's Rainbow are based upon the life of Brett LaChance Hall, an 8-year-old child cared for by Hospice of the Midlands, now Palmetto Health Hospice, in 1988. 
