Volunteers
Overview of activities
Every game, craft and ceremony at camp has a purpose. Here is what each one does for a grieving child.
What happens at camp
Activity by activity
Memory Table
Each attendee brings a framed picture of the loved one they lost and it is displayed on a table for the duration of the program. The Memory Table is to show that all have suffered loss of a loved one — to recognize that we are all connected in a special way.
Play Ball
Campers and buddies tell about their loved one as they hold onto their own portion of string and toss it back and forth, creating a large “spider web” of string. By introducing themselves, there is awareness that we are all connected at camp, visually by the spider web, and emotionally by the commonality of grief and loss. Campers become aware that everyone present at camp has experienced the death of a loved one, and that they can begin to feel understood, safe and connected.
Safety Zone
The safety zone activity allows campers to discuss and draw a poster showing what makes him or her feel safe. The safety zone is used as a place of comfort during camp and is a place for further discussion with the camper. It allows campers to see what similarities they have with others in grief.
All About Me Letter
This activity is used as an ice breaker and gives campers an opportunity to share more information about themselves. Campers are encouraged to share their feelings, thoughts and beliefs and have fun learning about each other.
Group Flags / Chant
This activity encourages participation of group members to help create a group chant that signifies the spirit in the story of their group name and color. Each team carries their flag and chant while traveling to different activities, signifying team unity.
Group Covenant
The covenant encourages members of the group to say what rules they feel are important. The group covenant is an activity where the team creates team rules for all members to follow — volunteers and campers are included.
Four Step Art
Four step art offers the opportunity to identify feelings in a nonverbal and creative way. It allows campers to learn a new method of drawing while identifying their emotions through their creation.
Equine Assisted Therapy
This activity helps campers understand that it is healthy to ask for help with our emotional needs. No one should carry his or her grief alone. Each camper rides a horse through the circuit with a grief coach or buddy walking beside them. Campers can carry all the balls themselves or give balls to the grief coach or buddy to help carry them.
Chalk Drawing
This activity helps campers articulate which emotions he or she is feeling and where, physically, grief is being felt. Discussions of feeling and the effect on the body happen throughout the activity. Campers can see where and how the pain is appearing in the body.
Journal Writing
This activity helps campers realize that writing their thoughts and feelings down on paper helps release their fears and process their emotions. Writing helps campers gain the courage to persevere and begin the task of remaking their world. It also helps campers see that others have similar answers and feel the same way they do.
Volcano Bottles
The purpose of this activity is to allow campers to identify emotions related to their loss and put a name to that emotion. The camper is also able to verbalize feelings and realize how to talk about mixed feelings, which releases pressure (as shown in the bottle release). If emotions are kept “bottled up” they can appear in the future and “erupt.”
Candlelight Ceremony
This ceremony is designed to honor all those at camp who are grieving the loss of a family member. It reinforces that they are not alone in the grief journey. One at a time, each participant has an opportunity to speak about his or her loved one and light a candle. This continues until everyone in the circle has a lit memory candle.
Forgiveness
The purpose of this activity is to help campers forgive the lost loved one, others, and themselves. Each camper and buddy writes the name of someone on an index card and throws it into a fire. Then bubbles are blown to honor the lost loved one.
Memory Boxes
This activity allows each camper to decorate a special box to store meaningful treasures. When the camper is missing his or her loved one, the memory box contains memories that bring comfort. Each camper decorates his or her own private memory box in a way that reminds them of their loved one.
Memory Lane Game
This game helps the camper share the special memories and feelings that he or she has about the lost loved one. The game generates healing discussion in a protected and fun game environment, and allows for acknowledgment of good and bad feelings.
Luau Night
This activity allows campers to sing, laugh, celebrate and have fun with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The evening concludes with campers and buddies reflecting on the theme of camp, footprints in the sand. Each camper and buddy is given an index card and pencil, and asked to write down something they would like to share with God or ask Him to help with in their grief struggle.
Piñatas
This is a fun physical activity, with lots of cheering and laughing. The piñata activity reiterates the importance of doing physical things instead of taking out intense emotions on others at home or school.