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MINDFULNESS LED BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL
MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER CHILDREN IN GRIEF
TRANSFORM GRIEF WITH NATURE BASED EXPERIENCES & CREATIVE INTERVENTIONS
"Children are often the forgotten grievers."
-David Kessler
At Heal it in the Wild we understand that children grieve very differently from adults. They may not speak about their grief for longer periods of time and that is okay. During camp we do not press them to share any information about their loved one or to express their thoughts or feelings about the death until they feel comfortable.
We also understand that children experience grief in waves, often around the times of major events, milestones, or anniversaries in which their loved one would have been present. So while they may not be expressing their grief daily, on these days it will be particularly hard for them, especially as they get older. During camp, we will help your child learn to honor and process their grief for when these milestones and anniversaries arrive through creative activities and nature based mindfulness skills.
Children need words. They may have many questions about the death, details about funerals, and questions about where people go when they die. All of these questions need answered in simple terms for them. More importantly, when these questions are not answered or details are kept from them, it creates more confusion. We feel it is important to validate their feelings, educate them on events and rituals around death, and clear up any misunderstandings they may have. We make every attempt to validate their experiences and create an environment in which they can connect to other children, who are also having similar experiences.
Children grief support:
This is designed for
Children ages 8-12 who have experienced the death of a parent/step-parent, gaurdian, sibling, friend, or other family member
Children who would like to meet and connect with other children, who are also grieving
Children, who would like to learn ways to express their thoughts and feelings about the death of their loved one
Children, who enjoy being outdoors and immersed in nature
Any level of physical fitness, as two days of the camp we will hike an easy to moderate trail and we go at a leisure pace
Would like to have fun, be creative, and enjoy the whole camping experience with grief work spread throughout.
Ready to learn valuable skills in order to honor and process grief
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Each camp day ...
Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner,
& Snacks
(no camp is complete without smores!)
Moments of mindfulness in nature through hikes, & journaling, and grief rituals
Time to connect with peers through games, camp fires, and team challenges
Arts and Crafts to help with emotion expression and honoring their grief
One adventure based activity to include hiking, kayaking, or paddle boating
A trained, CPR certified, Wilderness First Aid certified, therapist & camp guide
When you you and your child will also receive...
A free family therapy session for the child and their parent(s)/guardian prior to arriving to camp
A Heal it in the Wild Swag Bag with a t-shirt, journal, water bottle, and other items!
Educational information about assisting your child through the grief process
Emails regarding preparation and items needed for camping up until the day before camp!
Camp Itinerary
Arrival & Check-in
Meet and Greet
Team Assignment
Lunch
Team Crafts
Team Games
Dinner
Campfire & Smores
Journaling & Lights Out
​
Welcome Campers!
Breakfast
Hike & Mindfulness activities
Grief Nature Activity
Lunch
Team Games
Crafts
Dinner
Letter Writing
Campfire & Team Stories
Journaling & Lights Out
​
Wild Explorers
Breakfast
Kayaking/paddle boarding
Mindfulness Activity
Lunch
Craft
Dinner
Campfire & Team Karaoke
Journaling & Lights Out
Adventure Awaits
Breakfast
Pool Day
Lunch at the pool
Free time: 1 hour
Dinner
Campfire & Team Talent Show
Journaling & Lights Out
Fun in the Sun!
Breakfast
Hike & mindfulness activities
Lunch
Coping Skills & Memory Boxes
Team Awards
Cabin Goodbye Party
Parent Pick Up & Check out
*Activities and schedule are subject to change based upon weather or other unforeseen circumstances
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* A finalized Itinerary will be provided one week prior to camp arrival
Your child will have just as much
as they will
Is your child
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