After serving as co-director in 2000, Larry Dawalt has been at the helm of Chameleon’s Journey as Camp Director for the past 20 years, leading the camp from its small beginnings into one of the larger grief camps in the country. As part of his duties as Senior Director of Spiritual & Grief Care Services for Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, Larry oversees general camp operations, leads the CJ Steering Committee’s behind the scenes planning throughout the year, and serves as host and Master of Ceremonies at the camp. He has a heart for those who are hurting and is a friend and resource to campers, parents and staff. He also represents Chameleons Journey in the community, maintaining relationships with a variety of strategic community partners who support the camp.

 

Over the years, he has watched grieving children move through the grief process and increase their coping skills while building significant relationships with those who are also on the grief journey. He has also watched some of those campers turn into members of the camp staff, returning year after year to share their experiences with others who are now walking the path.

 

Larry is a Board Certified Chaplain and has received the designation Certified in Thanatology from the Association of Death Educators and Counselors, Certified Trauma Services Specialist from the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator from the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.

 

In 2018, he received the Professional of the Year Award from the North Carolina Association for Home and Hospice Care.

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