Program assists grieving children.

Children in Minnesota ages 6-13 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or significant friend have a special place to heal thanks to the commitment of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Special remembrance activities, such as this candlelight ceremony, help grieving children who attend MFDA's Camp Amanda-Minnesota.

Association (MFDA), Minneapolis. Camp Amanda-Minnesota debuted in January 2003 and provides three two-day grief camps serving 40 children each during the year.

Funeral directors' concern and compassion for grieving children led MFDA to create the Minnesota Foundation for Children in 2001. In early 2002, the foundation partnered with Amanda Cares, Inc., Des Moines--the longest-running children's grief camp in the country--to manage its initial camp and provide ongoing support to staff and volunteers. Camp Amanda-Minnesota follows the model established by Amanda Cares.

MFDA members have raised more than $100,000 to fund the camp, which provides fun, games, group discussions, and remembrance activities, including a special candlelight ceremony. The camp relies heavily on volunteers to staff the camps and run day-to-day operations. MFDA also contributes additional, inkind paid staff support. For more information, visit www.mnfuneral.org, and click on "MN Foundation for Children."