Program Information

H.U.G.S. is a one-day camp providing activities for children and teens, age 5 and up, and their families.

Youth are divided into four age groups to be able to more effectively assist them with the grieving process. Adults attending will gain ideas and learn skills to help themselves and their children through the grieving process, as well as attaining additional adult support.

Groups are led by professionals skilled in working with individuals that are grieving. Mental health professionals are also available to address individual concerns.

The theme for the 2009 Day Camp is ‘Exploring the Life – The Life Cycle of Plants’. Activities are based on the struggle each of us experience throughout our journey through grief as we explore the life cycle of plants.

This year’s theme book is ‘The Garden Angel’. ‘This remarkably tender child-friendly story shows the creative spirit exhibited in children facing grief.’

Age Group 5-6

The morning will begin with introductions; as each youth shares information about their loved one who has died they will realize that every one in the group is experiencing a loss. Throughout the day, books will be read to introduce youth to the cycle of life and the many feelings involved in the grief process. Group members will make projects to help preserve their memories, such as picture frames and memory pillows made from their loved one's article of clothing.  Discussions of feelings and memories will also be part of the day.  Fun zoo activities will include pony rides and train rides.  The 5-6 age group will have a fun and meaningful day.   

Age Group 7-9

The morning will begin with introductions and story time of the Garden Angel: sharing of each child’s personal story of the death of their loved one.  We will discuss feelings and emotions and make “Feeling Stones” for each of the children to take home. Continuing with the feelings and make “Feeling Faces” of the four primary emotions: happy, sad, anger and confused.  As we continue with putting words to feelings, we will learn the cycle of life through potting a plant and be able to decorate its own pot in a way to remember our loved one that died.  Children will have the opportunity to make a memory pillow out of fabric (actually out of an article of clothing that belonged to their loved one) that can remind them of their loved one.  Other special activities will be explored to continue learning special skills to deal with grief.  Throughout the day, we will also take a train ride as we explore the zoo.  Time will be available for each child to address specific issues, as well as, listen to other children with similar stories of grief to develop the insight that they are not alone on this journey to healing.

Age Group 10-12

Our group will be doing activities that focus both on the feelings and experiences of grieving as well as some coping skills.

- Reading "The Garden Angel" and having participants talk about what they identify in the story that is similar or different to their own grief experience

- The group will talk about the feelings that are part of grieving, including anger. We will talk about ways to express our anger, and the kids will decorate a bag using a hammer as an example of a healthy way to release feelings of anger.

-The kids will share memories and stories about their loved one and make a personalized photo frame.

-Participants will have the opportunity to make a memory pillow, using material or pieces of clothing that can remind them of their loved one or friend.

-There will also be time for participants to go on a train ride through the zoo, and visit some of their favorite places in the zoo.

Teens

Our group will be doing activities that focus both on the feelings and experiences of grieving and learning various skills to help them cope through their grieving process.

-Using examples from "The Garden Angel", teens will explore healthy ways to tend to their needs, so they can begin to grow, heal and identify people and places where they can receive support for their grief.

-The group will talk about the feelings and emotions that are part of grieving and how they often mask those feelings. Participants will do some hands on projects and journaling throughout the day.

-Share songs that help them with their grief and create a special memory CD.

-Participants will have the opportunity to make a memory pillow, using material or pieces of clothing that can remind them of their loved one or friend.

- There will also be time for participants to go on a train ride through the zoo, and visit some of their favorite places in the zoo.

- Teens will create a “Care Plan” highlighting healthy coping activities, people who are healthy to  around and different places they can receive support.

Adults

The adult participants will have the opportunity to meet in a small group and tell their grief story. We will learn about grief in general, talk about thoughts, feelings and emotions that accompany grief for the adults and for the children as well.

The group will hear The Garden Angel story and have an opportunity to talk about the story and how it relates to themselves or their children. We will talk about how to use story telling with children to express feelings that are hard to talk about.

The group will hear from the children's group facilitators what the children are doing and have an opportunity to ask the facilitators questions.

The group will learn about creative healing and create their own memory quilt patch.