BRUCETON MILLS -- Camp Nabe is in its 14th year of transforming children's fear and grief using faith and love and arming them with a "toolbox" of coping skills.

Last September, Ray Starkey Junior lost someone very important to him - his mom. "She died of colon cancer," he explained.

Ray is only ten, so it was tough for him to talk about how he felt. But this weekend, Ray met with 35 other kids his age who have all lost someone close, and learned how to cope with his mother's death.

"Conquer your fears and how to take care of them," said Ray, "And not just to walk around them."

Camp Nabe was created for children like Ray - but the adult volunteers can relate to how the kids feel. Director Kim Riley lost her son Aaron to Lukemia in April.

"It's a camp that we provide a safe environment for the children to learn to deal with their grief, and anger, their fear," reported Riley. "We teach them to rebuild their confidence after the death of a loved one, and also how they can control their emotions after the death of a loved one."

Camp Nabe uses a buddy system to help the kids adjust.

"They do some fairly serious things they're dealing with some things, but they really get close together to see all the close bonds that form between the campers and the buddies - it's really good to see," shared Ty Clifford, Ray's Buddy.

Sunday's s closing ceremonies included a butterfly release and a balloon launch to commemorate their new sense of faith and love - and Ray feels better knowing he has overcome his grief.

"She's always with me," he declared, "And it makes me just happy to feel good."

Camp Nabe has given hundreds of children the chance to attend this camp - free of charge.

If you know a child who could benefit from Camp Nabe, call the Hospice Care Corporation at (304) 864-0884.