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Registration for Camp Dragonfly is now open.  Camp Dragonfly is a weekend retreat, led by professional clinicians and trained staff, for children ages 8-12 who have suffered the loss of a loved one.  All activities at Camp Dragonfly are designed to help children heal and live successfully after loss.  During the weekend, campers have the opportunity to participate in art activities, games, nature hikes, discussions, and a campfire with s’mores!

“Campers learn ways to process feelings and treasure memories. Camp is not about forgetting, it is about healing. We use exercises to help the children learn to process grief and then fun activities to practice the coping skills they are learning,” said Nancy Jackson, Community Development Director and Camp Director. “Children grieve differently than adults.  Some children have behavioral problems, some struggle with schoolwork, some become argumentative or fearful, some hesitate to be away from a parent, and many don’t like to be alone.”

Children dealing with grief often feel isolated and feel that no one understands.  “My child very much enjoyed camp, she has always felt different from other children and camp seemed to make her feel like she belonged,” said a parent whose daughter attended a previous session.  “The grief counselor I talked to was awesome!  She was very honest and straightforward with me.  She even asked how I was handling everything.”

The spring session of Camp Dragonfly is scheduled for March 6-8, 2020 at All Saints Camp on Lake Texoma, 418 Stanton Way, in Pottsboro, Texas.  If you know a child who would benefit from participating, contact Nancy Jackson at (903) 868-9315 or nancy.jackson@homehospice.org.

Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties is a 501(c)(3) local community-based organization founded in 1982. Our mission is to enhance Quality of Life. For more information visit our website at www.homehospice.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homehospiceofgrayson .

Kids who are interested in wildlife & love the outdoors should apply for the annual Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp. The five day camp is jam-packed with activities ranging from ropes course challenge to shotgun shooting.

Are you interested in a career as a game warden or perhaps a fisheries or wildlife biologist? The Oklahoma Wildlife Department Youth Camp is an excellent opportunity for youth to explore possible future careers in wildlife management. In order to give participants a better understanding of wildlife and fisheries management and law enforcement, the entire camp is conducted by game wardens, wildlife and fisheries professionals and dedicated hunters and anglers.

When is it?

June 21-26, 2020 at OU Biological Station, Lake Texoma, OK

Who should attend?

Next year’s camp will be competitively open to all Oklahoma youth 14 to 16 years old. All applying youth must have been enrolled in school the previous year and have an interest in wildlife law enforcement or management.

What will you learn?

Fishing, self defense, wildlife law enforcement, archery, wildlife identification, rifle/shotgun shooting, ropes course, wildlife management, waterfowl/deer/turkey hunting and enforcement.

How to Apply?

■ Be 14-16 years of age (applicants must turn 14 prior to June 21, 2020).
■ Write an essay (about 75 words) describing why they wish to attend the camp, why they should be selected and what they expect to learn.
■ Provide one letter of recommendation (by someone other than a family member).
■ Provide a photograph of a recent outdoor-related event of activity.
■ Be ready to have a fun week!

Application

Art Dash 2020 kicks off the second winter art exhibit in Sherman Cultural District on February 15, at 2 p.m. in the newly expanded Look-a-Likes Boutique at 100 N. Travis, Suite B.

“The idea of the Art Dash is to bring folks who appreciate art together for a fun afternoon,” said Ginger Nye, Director for the Austin College Center of Community & Regional Development and coordinator of the Art Dash. “Then, at the buzzer, those who have bought tickets make a run for the art and take their favorite piece right off the wall for keeps. It’s all very civil and a lot of fun.”

The original art works prepared for the Art Dash are 5” by 5” in proportion and feature several media including paint on canvas, wood, fiber arts, and photography. Several award-winning regional artists including Beth Hubbert, Pat Pierce, Paige Davidson, Monica Minshew Cowsert, Mary Karam, and Missy Sofey Kyle are among the artists in the Art Dash and will be exhibiting other pieces in businesses around the Sherman Cultural District. There are more than 40 regional artists participating in the Art Dash and month-long downtown exhibit.

The winter art exhibit continues through mid-March as businesses in the Sherman Cultural District host the artists’ work. Exhibit maps will be available at the Sherman Tourism Office and all hosting business within the Cultural District. The artwork can viewed during regular business hours and most art is available for purchase.

“This is an opportunity to raise awareness for the many talented artists in our area,” said Nye. “And, we expect people will enjoy the creative exhibits in all the business, from art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and even an awesome new tattoo studio!”

Tickets to participate in Art Dash 2020 are $30 and are available online at www.shermanarts.org; admission is free to watch. The event is co-sponsored by the Sherman Cultural District and Austin College Center for Community & Regional Development. Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.