2017 National Bereavement Camp Conference Activity Booklet · Activity Booklet A compilation of the favorite and successful activities from the camp programs represented at the 2017

2017 National Bereavement Camp Conference

Activity Booklet A compilation of the favorite and successful activities from the camp programs represented

at the 2017 National Bereavement Camp Conference

A Camp to Remember 2

Breaking and Mending our Hearts 3 Ask the Funeral Director 4

Because the Sky is Everywhere 6 Death & Dying Panel 7

Road to Healing 7 Big Energy/Big Feelings 8

Bleach Bowl 10 Coping Skills Scavenger Hunt 12

Creative Expression Through Writing 14 Water Balloon Emoji’s 2.0 16 Drumming (with Bill Kehl) 17

Emoto‐Coconuts 18 Broken Flower Pot 19

Family Tree 20 Group Challenge 22

Heart Mending 24 The Island Games 26

Labyrinth 27 Memory Pillowcase 28

Memory Stone 29 Movement Choir 30 My Self‐Portrait 31 Pack Your Bags 32

Photo Scavenger Hunt 33 Plate Toss 36 Rain Sticks 37

Remembrance Heart 38 Scavenger Hunt 40

Story Switch 42 Tree of Support 43

Worry Dolls 44 Your One Word 44

Cognitive Behavioral Trading Cards (CBTC) 45 Community Building Scavenger Hunt 48

2017 National Bereavement Camp Conference Activity Booklet 2

A Camp to Remember

Organization: Tamarack Grief Resource Center

Camp Program Name: A Camp to Remember

Contact: Tina Barrett ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6 ‐ Adult

Group Size: 5 ‐ 25. We've created mobiles with small groups and with large, multi‐age groups at Family Camp.

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Identify sources of strength and hope. Create individual customized symbolic take‐aways that

illuminate personal sources of inspiration.

Materials

Sticks and twigs

Embroidery floss, hemp and/or yarn

Fancy paper

Markers

Inspirational quotes

Feathers

Pine cones

Beads

Fabric scraps

Ribbon

Dried Flowers

Scissors

Directions Group discussion

During challenging times, we can gain comfort, strength, and hope in different ways. What brings you strength

when you face challenges? Are there certain memories or people that bring you peace? Are there particular

places where you feel grounded and safe? Is there a phrase that inspires you?

Participants choose a twig to serve as the main structure of their mobile. They are encouraged to select beads, flowers,

ribbons, feathers, etc., that symbolize inspiring memories, people, places, or words of wisdom. These can be attached or

dangled from the stick to create a Mobile of Inspiration. An additional string can be attached to serve as a hanger.


Breaking and Mending our Hearts Organization: Fairview Youth Grief Services Camp Program Name: Camp Erin‐Twin Cities Contact: Jenny Simmonds ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 9 ‐ 17 years old

Group Size: 6 ‐ 10, with at least 2 adults per group

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To demonstrate how life can feel broken and shattered soon after your special person died. But

eventually we can “mend” or heal—although it will never be the same. Hence, the tile is once again whole after it’s

glued together, but will never be exactly the way it was before.

Materials

One Unbroken Tile (to show)

Broken Tiles in Ziplocs (1/camper)

o We get them donated from a local tile shop

Glue guns and glue sticks

Extension cords

Sharpies

Directions

Show your group members the whole tile. Say to them, “This tile symbolizes the relationship with your loved one before their death and how everything felt whole.”

Then show them a bag with a broken tile. “This broken tile symbolizes what it was like right after your loved one died. Everything feels shattered and changed.”

Let them choose a broken tile and, using the glue gun, instruct them to carefully glue their tiles back together again. (THE HOT GLUE GUN IS VERY HOT! THE LEADERS NEEDS TO CAREFULLY SUPERVISE THIS!) After the tile is “mended”/put back together, say to the group,

“Your tile is back together in one piece again, but will never look like it did prior to the break. That is like our loss. As time goes by, the hurt and pain we feel won’t feel as broken as it first did, but it will always be there, like a scar. You will always feel the “cracks” and “bumps” because your loved one is gone, but it’ll get smoother over time.”

Give them an opportunity to decorate their tile that best reflects their family changes since the death—both the difficult changes and the positive ones.

HINT: Break the tiles prior to camp by simply putting each tile in a Ziploc bag and tapping it with a hammer so that it breaks into 2‐4 pieces. You don’t want too many pieces for them to glue back together.


Ask The Funeral Director

Organization: Carefor Health and Community Services Eastern Counties

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Eastern Ontario

Contact: Michele Smith ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6 ‐ 17 years old

Group Size: 6 – 10 campers

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To learn about death rituals and promote self‐expression.

Materials

Paper

Box

Pens

Pencils

Directions This session gave campers an opportunity to ask a funeral director any questions the camper may have had

about what happens to the person’s body, after they die, once they arrive at the funeral home. The campers

wrote questions on a piece of paper and placed them in a box. The funeral director visited each cabin to respond

to the questions in an intimate and supported environment. Cabin buddies and grief facilitators were present to

provide support.

Sample sheet provided on the next page.


ASK THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR:

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Because the Sky is Everywhere

Organization: Shimmering Wings

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Denver

Contact: Barb Kamlet ‐[email protected] and Nancy Sharp ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 5 – 12 years old

Group Size: Cabin group

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To help campers relate to the concept that just like the sky is everywhere, so is the love

of the person(s) who died as they move those who died from presence to memory

Materials

Cake rounds

Markers

Colored pencils/crayons

Glue sticks

Glow in the dark stars

Star Stickers

3‐4” paper stars

Painted sky picture/poster

Directions Read the story, “Because the Sky Is Everywhere”. Have each camper design his/her own sky on a cardboard

round. Discuss the activity using the following talking points:

Tell us about the sky you created

What did you like about creating it?

Was there anything hard about creating it?

When do you feel your sky changes?

What do you need when your sky changes?

Who are the people who can help you when your sky gets cloudy?

What things have you done that have helped you?

Have you ever had a magical moment when you looked at the sky?

What does a ___________ (angry, sad, confused, worried, happy, nervous and content) sky look like?

What does it feel like?

Did you learn something new about yourself or your grief because of your sky?

What do you want others to know about your sky?

At the end of the activity, invite each camper to write the name of the person(s) who died on a 3‐ 4” star and

place it on the pre‐painted sky picture to leave up during camp to remember those who died.


Death & Dying Panel

Organization: Willow Center

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Lewis ‐Clark Valley

Contact: Shay Wood ‐ campdirector@willow‐center.org

Age Range: 6‐17

Group Size: All campers and staff

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To allow campers to ask questions from an expert’s point of view.

Materials

A panel of experts (We have a doctor, nurse, mortician, pastor, EMT, physiologist and survivor.)

Directions

Each camper is given note cards to write the questions they want to ask. A staff member reads the

questions for them and the panel will answer what is asked. The campers are allowed to ask follow‐up

question if needed.

Some questions they asked are why is there no cure for cancer, what happens when someone dies, how

long do they work on someone when they are in cardiac arrest, why do people die of suicide and does it

hurt and what happens when a person is cremated.

Road to Healing

Organization: Catholic Hospice

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin South Florida

Contact: Rochelle Clarke, PHD LMFT MSHR CHT ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: 10‐15

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To identify stressors in children and allow them to discuss how they managed to cope,

allow other children to share and give advice.

Materials

A roll of paper with road, signs throughout, and cut out cars

Directions Allow each child to take a car and have them travel throughout the road while discussing their journey through

grief, allow signs to appear for example yield and allow child to reflect on their process and any road blocks they

encountered. Ask other children if they experienced similar experiences how they coped who provided support.


Big Energy/Big Feelings

Organization: Providence Hospice

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Portland

Contact: Christi Crowley ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: Varied

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Understand and express how grief and other

emotions feel inside our bodies. Introduce concept of “big energy” and

offer campers an opportunity to express large emotions physically.

Campers will name and identify feelings (both positive and negative)

and have a chance to “erase” the negatives.

Materials

Shower curtains or large rolls of plastic

Sponges/water

Colored dry erase markers or washable markers

Black permanent markers

Big energy games/toys: large parachute, large beach ball,

bouncy house, hula hoops, trampoline, sports equipment, etc.

Directions 1. Set up materials outside

a. Large shower curtains or plastic sheets taped to the ground

or weighed down at the corners

b. Buckets full of water with large sponges in the water or next

to the buckets

i. We’ve tried using water balloons but they were messy

and did not pop easily when thrown onto the plastic.

c. Assorted colors of dry erase markers and black permanent

markers scattered around the plastic sheets

d. Games and activities set up nearby – balls, sports

equipment, trampoline, bouncy house, inflatables, large

parachute, etc.

2. Introduce the concepts/themes of big energy and invite

participants to contribute ideas and experiences they have

had.

a. Grief can be an emotion or feeling like sadness, confusion,

or anger

b. Grief can also be physical and we feel it in our bodies

c. Sometimes these feelings can cause us to have lots of

energy and movement – we call these feelings the “Big Energy” of grief.

d. Big Energy is very normal and OK – there are lots of ways to let Big Energy out in a way that is safe

and effective.


3. Introduce the sponge activity

a. Campers think about some of the feelings or things that cause big energy feelings that they don’t

like. Write those things on the plastic with colored markers (dry erase/washable).

b. Campers then think of things or activities that help them cope with those things/feelings and write

them on the plastic with black markers (permanent)

c. Throw the water‐filled sponges at the plastic and watch the bad things disappear!

4. Introduce/explain the other activities and big energy supplies

a. Campers can get some of their big energy out doing the available activities as well

Facilitator ‐ Script/ Verbiage Sometimes our grief can be an emotion or feeling, like sadness, confusion, or anger. Sometimes it can cause us to feel out of control and scared.

Ask: What are some feelings have you had since your people or person died? Our grief can be also physical and we feel it in our bodies, like being “antsy,” bouncy, “fidgety,” or tense. Sometimes our grief can feel like a stomachache, headache, shakiness, or excitement. Sometimes kids of all ages even have things happen to them that they haven’t had happen in years – like they have accidents in bed at night or they don’t like to sleep alone anymore. Sometimes kids and adults have even more energy than they usually do and they want to MOVE!!

Ask: How have you felt or noticed grief in your body? What has your body felt like lately? Our grief can look or feel like silliness, playfulness, and movement. These feelings and experiences can cause us to have a lot of energy and movement, and sometimes they can leave us feeling tired, angry, or grumpy. We call these feelings the “Big Energy” of grief. Big Energy is normal and okay! It can also be a very safe and healthy experience when you let the Big Energy out in a safe way.

Ask: What are some ways you feel and let out your Big Energy? Sometimes our Big Energy activities can also just be ways of having fun and “taking a break” from the heavy and hard work of grief. It’s really healthy and good to take a break from your grief and to still have fun. It can sometimes be hard to do, but it’s very important to keep playing and having fun. For Big Energy release and for fun, some people like to do activities that are organized or structured – like sports with scoring and rules. Some people like to do activities that are very open, free, and don’t have rules.

This workshop is a way for you to feel your Big Energy and release it in different ways. One important way to do this is to first name or identify feelings or experiences that cause Big Energy or feelings that you don’t like. For example, you may say you don’t like “cancer, death, anger, sadness” or “friends not knowing what to say to you.” With colored markers, you can write that on the plastic.” Then with the black markers you can write some things that help you cope, or feel better about those hard things. Things like, “Friends, jumping, screaming, dancing.” Once all of you have written some things you don’t like and the things you do that help you cope, then you can throw wet sponges on the ground and watch the bad things melt away! After the activity, you’ll have time to enjoy the other Big Energy activities that are set up. You’ll see balls, games, a bouncy house, and an inflatable obstacle course. Please be sure to listen to the volunteers and adults who will be there to help.


Bleach Bowl

Organization: Compass Regional Hospice and The Hope and Healing Center

Camp Program Name: Camp New Dawn

Contact: Rhonda Knotts ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 7‐18 years old

Group Size: 4‐12 participants

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This is a wonderful visual exercise of the feelings of grief, understandable to people of all

ages. Death and grieving can bring enormous changes to individual and family life. This activity demonstrates

that “although we experience many feelings and have resources available to help us, we are forever changed.”

Materials

Large clear bowl

Bottle of bleach that is disguised by a piece of construction paper that has words of encouragement

written on it (i.e. hope, family, friends, love, talk, support, etc.)

A large spoon

Box of food coloring

Directions 1. Display a clear glass bowl with water, representing life before a huge change brought on by the death of

a loved one. 2

2. Invite the campers to share feelings of grief. As a feeling is named, ask what color would best illustrate

the feeling (i.e. sadness, guilt, anger, loneliness, etc.) Have the camper drop several drops of their choice

of food coloring into the bowl.

3. Continue exploring a vast number of feelings, noting how each addition of color changes the water’s

appearance.

4. Note the murkiness of the water—dark, dismal, confused, etc.—making it very difficult to identify any

single feeling that accompanies grief‐‐‐‐Grief is MESSY! It can leave us feeling DARK, CLOUDY, AND

FOGGY.

5. Explore what helps people cope with the feelings of grief. Responses might include “talking, drawing,

crying, friends, family members, etc.”

6. Pour a small amount of bleach into the bowl as each suggestion is given, having another camp

volunteer stirring slowly.

7. Summarize the demonstration of the process of mourning as depicted visually through color. As the

bleach is poured in, the water will not return to the original clear liquid, but it will become a beautiful

translucent and tranquil pastel color, signifying that while we will never be the same as we were before

a huge loss, we will eventually experience joy again.


Bleach Bowl ‐ Continued

Modification to the Bleach Bowl Activity

Materials

bag of lemons and oranges

hand juicer

2 big bowls

cheese cloth or strainer

water

Directions 1. Have a bowl filled with water. Leaders will evoke discussion about how our group participants felt

before their loved one died and then how they felt at the time of their loss.

2. Using a hand juicer, leaders will assist the camper in squeezing out their feelings (juice). You will then

instruct group participants to pour their feelings into the water.

3. After all the campers have done this, a cheese cloth or a strainer can be used to separate the contents

of the bowl.

4. The new bowl will have what is left after the contents have been strained. There is almost always

remnants of fruit that can symbolize the change in us and transformed water will reflect how things will

get better but we are forever changed by the loss.


Coping Skills Scavenger Hunt

Organization: Treasure Health

Camp Program Name: Camp Good Grief

Contact: Gabrielle McNally ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: All ages

Group Size: 5‐10 campers

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To increase awareness into the grief

process and importance of coping. It increases identification

of coping skills by learning from others how they cope and

utilizing support systems.

Materials (1 of each item per camper)

Megaphone (Oriental Trading)

Silly Putty (Dollar Tree)

Essential Oils (Pure Haven)

Spray Bottles (Amazon)

Bubbles (Dollar Tree)

Crayons

Punching Balloons (Oriental Trading)

Tissues (Dollar Tree)

Stress Balls (Oriental Trading)

Bag to put the items in

Directions Scavenger Hunt Clues

Megaphone (Hidden in an open outdoor space)

o Out on a field I am used to cheer, makes what you’re saying easier to hear. Today I can be used

so you can let it out, whatever you’re feeling that you want to shout.

Stress ball (Hidden at the basketball court)

o I can be bounced or rolled, sometimes even squeezed. Use me when you’re happy, or when

you’re not pleased.

Bubbles (Hidden at the campfire)

o I’m light as air, can go as high as the sky. The deeper and softer you blow, I’ll slowly grow.

Tissues (Hidden in the bathroom)

o I’m soft and white, and very light. I wipe your tears, to relieve your fears. Sometimes you may

sigh, you use me when you cry.

Crayons (Hidden at picnic tables)

o If you’re harder, I’m darker. Softer and I’m light, pale, deep and bright. Draw a picture of your

feelings with all your might.

Punching balloon (Hidden in the game room)

o I’m the exception to the rule, you can use me to release your anger.


Coping Skills Scavenger Hunt – Continued

Scavenger Hunt Clues

Silly putty

o Though my name is silly I want you to know. I can help you get out all your feelings you may not

want to show. Stretch me and pull me, long I’ll grow.

Essential oils

o I can have all different things inside me, but they must flow to come out. Pick a smell you like

inside, squeeze my handle and it will come out of my spout.

Processing Questions

1) What feelings can this coping tool help with?

2) What are some ways you can use this coping tool?

3) Have you ever used this tool before?

a. Was it helpful?

4) Is every coping tool helpful to everyone?

a. Why? Why not?

5) What other coping tools have you used before?

a. Did you find them helpful? Why or why not?

*Please note ‐ some places identify where the item was hidden based on our camp location. After the group

reads the clue, the leader provides clues of the spot at your camp location that best matches the item being

hidden.

For example: Stress balls ‐ Where else do we use balls to let out feelings/energy? Answer‐ Basketball court


Creative Expression Through Writing

Organization: Kara

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin – San Francisco

Contact: Amy Armes ‐ amy@kara‐grief.org

Age Range: Teen/Adult

Group Size: 8‐30

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To give the campers an opportunity to express their grief and feelings around the death.

Materials

Pens/pencils

Worksheets with prompts for “Six Word Stories” and “I Remember” at the top OR blank paper with

prompts written where participants can see them

Directions Present the two options for writing, “Six Word Stories” and “I remember…”. The facilitator can offer examples

from their own writing, provide materials, take care of any problems and offer encouragement.

1. Six‐Word Stories

Legend has it that Earnest Hemmingway bet a table full of fellow writers he could write a short story in just 6

words. His companions had their doubts and wagered 10 dollars each to put Hemingway to the test. Hemingway

believed the resulting story to be his finest work ever: “Baby shoes for sale: never worn.”

Using only 6 words write a story on any of the following topics:

A Story about the person who died. We talked daily. He died alone.

A story about the death. Moring misdiagnosis: dead just after sunset.

A story about you before the person died. Mother’s Day: Her gift a sundress.

A story about you after the person died. Sixteen Mother’s Days: same black sundress.

A story about a good memory. Inept campers. We giggled all night.

A story about something that makes you mad. “You’re lucky! He’s always with you!”

A story about something that gives you anxiety. Early morning phone ring forebodes disaster.

A story about something that gives you hope. Even though faraway, she is near.

A story about how you feel about death. Universe is unfolding as it should.

A story about the person who died’s best quality. She was good at her core.

Something you wish people knew about your grief. My father, forever missed, forever loved.


Creative Expression Through Writing ‐ Continued

2. I remember…

Write a using memories of the person who died, or memories of grief. Begin each memory with “I remember…”.

Consider the things you might want to write about:

Personality characteristics of the person who died (funny, kind, worried, loving, etc.)

A detail about the person who died (clothes, sound of his/her voice, his mustache, etc.)

A specific place you remember when you think of them (like a vacation spot, your kitchen, a special

chair, etc.)

A smell (a cooking smell, or the smell of their perfume, etc.)

The shape of something (a full moon the night the person died, a baseball diamond, the arch of their

eyebrow, etc.)

An event or holiday (a birthday, a graduation, Thanksgiving, a football game, etc.)

An inanimate object that may have witnessed an important moment (a poster in your bedroom, the

candles on a cake, an IV drip, etc.)

The quality of air or light of a special memory (a beautiful sunset, fog, a stifling hot day,)

3. Closing

Pair participants and encourage each pair share what they have written. Extend an offer to share it with the

group if they would like.


Water Balloon Emoji’s 2.0

Organization: Sylvan Adams YM‐YWHA

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Montreal

Contact: Corrie Sirota or Stefani Novick ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6‐14

Group Size: 6‐20

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To allow children to express their feelings/emotions about the death of a significant

person in their lives without having to talk.

Materials

Large plasticized emoji faces (at least 8 different emotions)

Water Balloons

Directions

By rotation 60 minutes led by GAF’s (campers split into two

groups on beach front of gym).

The beach area will be set up with Large plasticized emoji's

expressing feelings & emotions as well as moving targets held

by CBB's. The GAF poses a list of questions to campers and they

are invited to take a water balloon and smash it at the

emotion/emoji that describes their feeling.

The campers were then invited to create their own questions

for other campers.

Sample Questions

How did you feel when you learned your significant person was

sick?

How did you feel when your significant person died?

How do you feel when you think of your significant person?

How are you feeling now?


Drumming with Bill Kehl (Planetary Productions)

Organization: Camp HOPE

Camp Program Name: Camp HOPE weekend

Contact: Mariah Singer‐Brown ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 5 years old ‐ Adult

Group Size: 15‐40

Purpose/Clinical Goal: The purpose of this activity is for the kids to have a hands‐on experience with a group of

other children that they are developing a deep connection with. It’s a chance to listen and pay attention, to

make music, to be encouraged to be loud and to hit something! It also offers them the opportunity to try

something that they may have never tried before.

Materials

Lots of drums & noisemakers

Chairs in a circle

Drum expert (In our case, Bill)

Directions

Bill starts each session by asking the kids/adults how they feel. Words like “nervous”, “sad”, “excited”

are usually shared. He introduces himself and his drums, showing them how to use the drums and starts

with some simple beats and dances without drums, allowing the campers to get comfortable. He then

lets the campers choose a drum and leads them in drum beats. He lets them offer their own beats for

the entire group to repeat. At the end of the session, he again asks the campers how they feel. Words

like “connected”, “peaceful” and “happy” end the hour long session, along with lots of smiles, laughing

and hugs.

In order to maintain consistency and to keep the feel of each of our camp weekends like a family, we

have Bill help end our camp (along with a few other musicians that have been a part of our camp

weekend) in a closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon.


Emoto‐Coconuts

Organization: Hospice of Kona

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin‐Hawaii

Contact: Jenny Schroedel ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: 8‐12

Purpose/Clinical Goal: The Emoto‐Coconuts created an opportunity for campers to show their grief emotions on

a coconut. Because coconuts have three “faces” campers could recreate the varied emotions of grief and the

Emoto‐Coconuts could be used as communication tools at home. The Emoto‐Coconuts created an opportunity

for education and normalization for all grief emotions.

Materials

60‐70 Coconuts (We have a Camp Erin family that donates and prepares them)

Stick‐on foam to cut for facial features

Raffia, shells for lei/crown

Feathers

Stickers

Paint/glitter

Glue guns & glue sticks

Sharpies for campers to sign their coconuts

Scissors

Large plastic cups for coconut “stands”

Directions

Each camper selects a coconut, prepared with three places for faces.

Campers will be asked about some of the emotions they have experienced since their loss. Have they

felt angry or sad, or had moments of joy? Campers will then be educated about how normal it is to

experience different emotions, and shown how they can use their coconuts to communicate to

family/friends about how they are feeling each day. Campers have the option of creating 1‐3 faces of

grief on coconut.

Campers decorate their coconuts.

The group facilitators help with glue guns.

Campers can bring their coconuts home and use them to let their families know how they are feeling

each day – coconuts can be rotated in cups depending on mood.


Broken Flower Pot

Organization: Delaware Hospice

Camp Program Name: Camp New Hope

Contact: Robin Murphy ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: 10

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To show a visual of the healing process of grief. Explain to the children that our grief is

with us now and like this broken flower pot, we can feel like our lives are shattered. Grief changes our lives, but

as we process our grief by doing sometimes tough work of the healing journey, we can see our lives being put

back together. Like this broken flower pot, our lives will be different but beautiful once again. This journey takes

time and is different for each person.

Materials

Clay flower pots

Rubber mallet

Aleen Thick Tacky glue

Plastic shopping bag (i.e. Walmart bag)

Rubber bands

Potting soil

Flowers or seeds

Plastic insert for pot

Permanent markers

Directions

Verbiage is the same as purpose. Camper will put their pot in the bag, hold onto the top of the pot and

gently tap with mallet 1‐2 times. Pot will break. Help camper glue pieces back together as they share

about their loss. Use rubber band around pot to hold together while it dries. Next day camper can plant

flower or seeds and decorate pot with permanent markers.


Family Tree

Organization: Camp Maple Leaf / Seasons Centre For Grieving Children

Camp Program Name: Camp Skein

Contact: April Young ‐ [email protected] and Joan Kennedy ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6 years old and up

Group Size: 4ish – 25ish

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Right from the beginning we acknowledge why we are all here and who we are all here

for. This is first question on everyone’s mind and we can see in a tangible, though symbolic way that we are all

here to support each other. Having our photos presented and hung at our opening flagpole (our most significant

place in camp, where we start each day and end each day) and ending on the permanently planted tree reminds

us that our loved ones are never forgotten.

Materials

One small tree indigenous to your area

Rope/string

Laminator/laminating sheets

Hole puncher

Rubber bands

Shovel

Directions 1) Pre‐Preparation

Campers are asked to bring a wallet size photo of their loved one who died to camp. (In their

application package or on their person, on the bus.

o Campers turn in their photo on arrival where it gets laminated and whole punched with a

rubber band attached to the top.)

A potted baby tree (indigenous to the area) is attached with string to the base of the flagpole.

Staff/Volunteers are explained this activity ahead of time and are strategically placed around the

circle surrounding the flagpole. Some staff are prepared to share their photos and some plan to

hang their photo without speaking so that campers see that it is ok to do either.

2) Opening Flagpole/Hanging of the photos:

One at a time, the campers and staff/volunteers show the circle their photo and hang it on a branch

of the tree. While doing this they may share something about their loved one or ask a staff to read

something for them or say nothing but hang the photo. Campers may also choose to carry/wear

their photo and at any time over the course of the week, place it on the tree.

End in a Group‐hand‐hug. (all join hands in a circle or chain. The first person squeezes the hand on

the next silently until the squeeze gets around to everyone.)


Family Tree ‐ Continued

3) Tree Planting Ceremony

Campers canoe (or hike) over to a protected area of camp with the tree and watch it get planted.

The significance and permanence of the planted tree is shared, a poem read and a song that all of

the campers know is sung. End in a Group‐hand‐hug.


Group Challenge

Organization: American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey

Contact: Allison Wittenberg ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: Any

Group Size: 20‐100

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This activity is a great opportunity for participants to share knowledge, learn about each

other’s strengths, practice effective communication, and have fun! It is also an opportunity for staff/volunteers

to observe how participants interact with one another. Staff can potentially identify people that may need

assistance with forming relationships/in a social setting or observe how someone has a boost of confidence and

assumes a leadership role.

Materials

Paper

Index cards

Pens/markers

Masking Tape

Directions

Set‐up: 10 challenges, written on index cards are placed around the room.

o These can be hidden if appropriate, so part of the challenge is finding the cards.

Cards are numbered 1‐10 on one side, with the challenge written or printed on the other side.

Each small group should have a paper labeled with as many boxes as there are challenges.

o This can be writing 1‐10 vertically on a piece of paper, as long as each number has a spot for an

answer to be written or to be checked off.

Groups work together to complete the series of challenges that are posted around the room. They will

send one person at a time to find a challenge, read it, and then go back to their group and instruct them

on what to do

o (Ex: “Number 3 is ‘List all states that start with M’” or “Number 10: We all stand up and do 10

jumping jacks”).

Once the group has completed that challenge, they check off the appropriate box on their sheet and

they can send another person to find/read another challenge. No one should go twice until everyone

has gotten up once.


Group Challenge ‐ Continued

*Remind groups to leave the challenges where they are since other groups are also using them. The idea is that

only 1 person from each group is up at a time. The groups must communicate and work together to complete all

the challenges correctly and quickly! The challenges do not need to be completed in order, but given the fact

that a different person has to be the runner/reporter each time, it allows for everyone to be involved and take

the lead at some point. This activity is a fun way for individuals to showcase their talents/skills/knowledge in a

unique environment. For instance, you find out very quickly who knows their planets best, who can list 5 famous

people named “Michael”, or who can come up with a group cheer on the spot!

*The challenges can be adapted to fit the goals for the group. They can be purely silly, educational,

interactive/all physically involved, or a combination. The groups work together to figure out which challenges

they still need, where they’ve already looked (verbal communication while 1 group representative is up), and

also to complete each challenge.


Heart Mending

Organization: Rainbows for All Children

Camp Program Name: National support groups for children 3‐18 who are grieving

Contact: Laura Lindroth ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: 3‐11

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Even when a death has occurred, children often feel angry at the person who has died, or

angry at themselves. They sometimes blame others or themselves for that person no longer being there. This

activity is designed to help children realize that they have the choice to forgive themselves and to forgive others,

and to understand that carrying those negative feelings within their hearts will only, in time, destroy them

emotionally. Children need to forgive their parent(s) for what has happened to the family, and they need to

forgive themselves for any realistic guilt they may be carrying. Children need to understand that they have the

choice, and are capable of forgiving their family, their friends, and themselves. They need not hold all those

negative feelings within forever.

Materials

A very large poster‐sized red heart and a large box in which to hide it

Construction paper heart for each child (NOTE: For each child, create a personalized heart shaped card,

containing a positive message for him or her)

Directions Children will have an opportunity to visualize how forgiveness allows them to rid themselves of negative feelings

and move forward with their lives.

1. Distribute the paper hearts to children and ask them to think of the people or things that have hurt

them. Say: All of us were born with beautiful, whole hearts, much like these. As we got older; sometimes

things happened to us that hurt way deep inside—hurting our hearts and making them change. These

hearts we are holding can be fragile too. They can be torn as easily as our own hearts. Let’s think of a

time or times when we were hurt and we felt our hearts were breaking. For each of those times, tear a

piece from the paper heart you are holding. Tear small pieces for the little hurts, big pieces for the big

ones. Save all of your pieces together and we’ll talk now about how to make our hearts whole again.

2. Say: We all know we can mend these paper hearts with glue or tape. But who knows how to mend our

real hearts? Give the participants some sharing and discussion time. Encourage ideas from the group,

stressing the ideas that relate to forgiveness and reconciliation. Say: Forgiving someone or something

that has hurt us is one way of healing our hearts. When we forgive, we let go of the hurt and let the

healing begin. Let’s all think about forgiving the person or events that have torn our hearts and when

you’re ready, turn in your broken heart and all its pieces into this box.

3. Have the children place their torn pieces of paper and the remainders of their hearts into the large box

containing the poster‐sized heart. (Try to keep the large heart hidden!) Say: Today, because we have

forgiven, we are going home with healing hearts. Some healing, or mending, takes a little longer; but we

all have a good start because we are willing to forgive.


Heart Mending ‐ Continued

4. Take out the poster‐sized heart. Say: Let’s work to make our hearts whole again, like this. If we work

together, we can all have healed and happy hearts.

5. Distribute heart‐shaped cards with personal messages. Say: Another way to make your heart whole

again is to remember this group of people around you. To remind you of us, here is a heart for each of

you with a special, personal message inside. You may read this note anytime your heart is feeling fragile

and maybe it will keep your heart from breaking.


The Island Games

Organization: Camp Maple Leaf / Seasons Centre For Grieving Children

Camp Program Name: Camp Skein

Contact: April Young ‐ [email protected] and Joan Kennedy ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6 years old and up

Group Size: Over 20 (10 per team)

Purpose/Clinical Goal: In most things we do at camp the therapy and support comes from fun and friendship.

An amazing example of this is the intense bonding (across gender, across age) that comes from the over‐the‐top

intense, competitive, silliness of the Island Games.

There are points for spirit and sportsmanship which often end up in the Blue cheering for the Red

showing that we are all part of the same family.

Materials

Lots of red and blue paint! (or whatever your camp’s colours!)

Etc. depending on games

Directions 1) Pre‐Preparation: Campers are asked to pack red and blue.

2) Opening: A skit opens up the games the night before dividing the camp into 2 or 3 colours. You want to

keep teams under 40 ish campers each. Tell them to come to flagpole in the morning in colours. The

camp is divided into Red (Top Bunks) vs Blue (Bottom bunks) and dresses/gets painted accordingly.

o Pre‐decorate the Dining Hall in colours. So the teams are always divided.

o All day (or ½ day) everything is a completion on colour teams. From cheering at tables during

meals to competitive cleanup!

3) The Games: Half day or full day of loud, crazy competitions that celebrate the talents of each individual

and how they all contribute to the whole!

o Giant relay race across camp, campers sign up to “represent” in competitions from being

carried by teammates, wrapped in toilet paper or singing the alpha‐bet backwards. (end in the

oldest campers burning through their team colored string! – see photo attached)

o Big group competitions such as body‐paint‐dodge‐sponge and water scavenger hunts.

o Dance off/Hockey Game/Capture the flag

o Etc.

4) The Conclusion: The Winner is announced by a staged surprise like falling balloons or captains jumping

out of a wall of coloured paper or coloured confetti.


Labyrinth

Organization: Bluegrass Care Navigators

Camp Program Name: Camp Hope

Contact: Kristen Hamilton ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: All

Group Size: Individual or family‐ we use this as a family activity during the camp reunion

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Help children and families process their grief by writing a letter or drawing a picture to

burn and send to their loved one. It could also be used to burn burdens or to say goodbye to their loved one.

Materials

Art supplies, pens, pencils, paper

Labyrinth or fire pit at the center of a maze/pathway

Directions

Begin by asking participants to write a letter to the deceased, draw a picture, say goodbye, or write

about things left unsaid. Explain that this is a special moment and we need to respect others by

remaining quiet until all messages are completed.

As individuals and/or families complete their messages allow them time to walk individually or as a

family through the labyrinth. Tell them that when they get to the fire, they will be sending a message to

their loved one through the use of smoke and ashes or burning their burdens.

Spend time with the individual and/or family after they have sent their message to process the

experience and provide support.

After every individual and/or family has had time to walk through the labyrinth, come together as a

group. Say to the group, now that everyone has had a chance to send their message, let’s now proceed

on with hope for the future. Share one memory that you had with your loved one that died.


Memory Pillowcase

Organization: Harbor Hospice (Muskegon, MI)

Camp Program Name: Camp Courage

Contact: Stephanie Weesies, LMSW ‐ [email protected]; Melanie Dekkers, LLMSW ‐

[email protected]; Laura Ecker, LPC ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: Any

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Helps the child accept the reality of the loss; encourages a continued bond between the

child and his/her loved one; combines both tangible and symbolic aspects (creates a comfort object and

promotes positive recall of the relationship); especially useful if the child witnessed the decline or death of the

loved one; creates the opportunity for expression of feelings of grief as well as prompts discussion about his/her

loved one with activity leaders and peers.

Materials

Cotton pillowcase

Photo of the child’s loved one

Parchment paper

Fabric markers

Directions

Camper submits a photo of his/her deceased loved one two weeks prior to camp. Parents/guardians of

the campers are encouraged to allow campers to choose the photo.

Photos are transposed onto pillowcases by a local print shop and brought to camp by camp staff.

Parchment paper is placed inside the pillowcases to prevent bleeding from fabric markers.

Campers are encouraged to decorate their pillowcases with their own creative process (designs, words,

phrases, etc). Throughout the activity, camp staff are present and available to prompt discussion about

the loved ones and provide support. This is an emotional and cathartic experience for campers.


Memory Stone

Organization: Bluegrass Care Navigators

Camp Program Name: Camp Hope

Contact: Holly Bender ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: All

Group Size: Individual or family – we use this as a family activity during the camp reunion

Purpose/Clinical Goal: 2 weeks after camp we host a reunion for campers to reconnect and to offer follow‐up

services to families. Each family creates a memory stone as a way to remember and connect to their loved one.

This is a permanent keepsake that honors their loved one that they take home at the end of the event.

Materials

Garden stone kit purchased through a craft store or Walmart. Kits include all needed materials but we

supplement with beads, stones, letter stamps and also ask families to bring trinkets from home that

remind them of their loved one, if desired, to personalize it further.

Directions Begin by talking to the children/families about creating this stone in memory of their loved one. Let them think

of the way they would like to decorate the stone. They can use the stones/colored glass tiles/lettered beads as

well as craft sticks or letter stamps to write words, names, dates etc. Follow directions on the box to mix the

cement.

While doing this activity ask questions about why the child picked certain stones, colors or designs. Ask about

any trinkets they may have brought from home. Talk about how these things remind them of their loved one

and in what ways it brings back memories.

Once completed talk about a special spot where the child would like the stone to be placed. It could be a spot in

the garden, front or backyard or even inside the home. Talk to them about how this is now a special space they

can come to when they want to feel close to their loved one. They can talk to them there, write notes/draw

pictures to leave under the stone or just look at it and think of favorite memories.


Movement Choir

Organization: CareGroup Parmenter Home Care & Hospice, Inc.

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Boston

Contact: Jennifer Wiles ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: Any

Group Size: No limit, but will need a space to form a circle of all participants

Purpose/Clinical Goal: By embodying memories, campers learn to honor and remember their person through

movement. We will create a group “movement choir” using gestures, sounds and rhythm. The goal is for each

participant to feel seen, witnessed, validated and connected.

Materials

No materials needed other than our bodies and voices!

Directions We will form a circle and through a brief guided visualization, we will discover and share sensory memories of

our person. We will add gestures and words to these memories, and through these gestures we will build a

group dance. Through a group rhythmic activity, we will invite each participant to add their movement and voice

to create a movement choir. The activity will end with a brief cool‐down and closure.


My Self‐Portrait

Organization: Good Grief

Camp Program Name: Grief Expressions Summer Camp

Contact: Caitie Bossart ‐ Caitie@good‐grief.org


Group Size: 10‐12

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Kids will be able to express themselves and increase their understanding of their identity

by creating their self‐portrait. They will build self‐confidence by being who they are and sharing their portrait

with others.

Materials

Heavy‐weight art paper

Watercolor makers

Watercolor paint brushes

Directions Kids are instructed to create their self‐portrait using different colors and marks to help express their identity.

What special features do we have that we want to include in our self‐portrait? What traits make up our identity

that we would want to illustrate? How can we create our self‐portrait to help tell others our story and who we

are?

Encourage kids to think about their personality, their features, or their mood right now and include it in their

self‐portrait.


Pack Your Bags



Age Range: Any

Group Size: Any

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This activity can be used as an ice‐breaker to introduce participants to each other, or as a

reflection activity for campers to recognize what is important to them/what elements are important to their

identity.

Materials

Paper with suitcase/backpack printed (this can also be drawn by participants

Markers/writing utensils

Directions Everyone will be given a small sheet of paper with the image of a suitcase on it. They are asked to write 5

facts/aspects about themselves in the suitcase (ex: I am an artist, I am a student, I’ve been to 3 other countries, I

love to play soccer, I am an only child, I never leave the house without a hat, etc.) Participants will then walk

around, introduce themselves to a partner sharing what’s in their bag, and exchange bags. They then introduce

themselves to another partner and mention they have the wrong bag (like when you pick up the wrong bag at

the airport), but tell the new partner whose bag it is and share what’s in it. They will rotate through a few

partners, exchanging bags each time. (This can be done several times then stop, or the goal can be to find their

original suitcase)

Debrief: Why might we do something like this? Every staff member and camper brings their own unique baggage

with them. This can be positive or negative thoughts, feelings, or experiences. What are we checking at the

door? What comes with us no matter what we do/where we go? How much of our baggage do other people

have to take on? How do these aspects of our personality manifest at camp?

*The activity can be adjusted so participants share what they would put in their suitcase if they had to choose

just 5 personal items. This can be a way for campers to identify and talk about items that are important to them.

The image/exchange with others serves as a catalyst to share with and learn about others, helping people

become more comfortable with one another.


Photo Scavenger Hunt

Organization: Suncoast Kid’s Place

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Tampa Bay

Contact: Daniel Partridge ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: Any. We divided by cabin assignments.

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Allow campers to get to know each other.

Materials

Cameras (1 per group, not personal cell phones)

Scavenger hunt score sheet (sample on next page)

Directions Each cabin (all kids and volunteers assigned to that cabin) are given the below Photo Scavenger Hunt score

sheet. They are given an hour to an hour and half to complete as many of these challenges as possible.

Have a couple volunteers assigned at uploading pictures to computer. Having them go through and check

pictures is difficult and time consuming. We chose to take each cabins word for it that the picture was taken.

The cabin with the most points got a special prize at dinner, which was to have dinner served to them first.


Photo Scavenger Hunt Score Card

Cabin Name: ______________________________________

Cabins should work together to accomplish this photo scavenger hunt. Everyone, including adults, must be in

the pictures except the photographer (photographer should always be an adult). Everyone must be in at least

four pictures. Don’t forget to use different locations. The cabin with the most points will get a special prize at

dinner. HINT: Grief expression and coping skills are worth more points.

BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!

Take a picture of…

Everyone holding a different colored leaf (10pts)

Everyone with something with the Camp Erin logo on it (20pts)

Everyone getting dressed up (20pts)

o Taking 5 or more pictures dressed up (+10pts)

o Turning in points sheet dressed up (+10pts) Everyone with a Bird in the picture (20pts)

o Within 5ft of the bird (+20pts)

Everyone with your Cabin name somewhere in the picture (10pts)

o Not a sign (+10pts) Everyone with the funniest thing you can find (10pts)

Everyone acting out their answer to, “I feel happiest when…” (20pts)

Everyone throwing away some trash off the ground (20pts)

Everyone playing leap frog (10pts)

Everyone trying to blend in with the surroundings (10pts)

o Everyone actually blending in (+10pts) Everyone being an object in nature (10pts)

Everyone practicing their deep breathing exercise (20pts)

Everyone holding an item that’s name starts with the first letter of their first name (20pts)

o Also holding an item that’s name starts with the first letter of their last name (+10pts)

Everyone (including photographer) in a reflection picture (10pts)

o Not a mirror (+10pts)

Everyone making a silly face (5pts)

o Everyone making a different face (+5pts)

Everyone from an ant’s eye view (5pts)

Everyone from a bird’s eye view (10pts)

Everyone using their body to make a letter, together spelling a word (20pts)

Everyone jumping (10pts)

o Everyone in the air (+10pts) Everyone playing charades (10pts)

Everyone acting like a different animal (10pts)

Everyone stopping to smell the flowers (5pts)


Everyone ‘planking’, laying stiff as a board, on something (20pts)

o Everyone planking on something different (+10pts)

Everyone dancing (10pts)

Everyone’s feet in a picture (5pts)

o No shoes or socks (+5pts) A picture with everyone in it, this includes photographer (10pts)

Everyone up close and personal (10pts)

Everyone depicting ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ (10pts)

Everyone from a distance (10pts)

Everyone pretending to fish (10pts)

Everyone pretending to be the hero of the name of your cabin (20pts)

Everyone standing next to a giant (30pts)

Everyone running away from something scary (10pts)

Everyone against a wall looking like Egyptian artwork (10pts)

Sneak a picture of every member of another cabin (no posing) (20pts)

o Able to see everyone’s face (+20pts) Everyone playing a sport (10pts)

Everyone learning a yoga pose (teacher can be found in the sports field) (30pts)

Everyone having a party (10pts)

Everyone tossing something to someone else (10pts)

o All items in the air (+10pts)

Everyone acting sick (10pts)

Take a picture with the following feeling words and discuss as a group when you feel that way about

your grief, Cabin Leader leads the discussion:

o Sad (40pts) o Angry (40pts) o Scared (40pts) o Happy (40pts) o Unlisted feeling (45pts)

Everyone somewhere they find relaxing (10pts)

Everyone with something shaped like a heart (10pts)

Everyone acting out a scene from a popular movie (15pts)

Total: ________________


Plate Toss

Organization: Our House

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin LA

Contact: Lauren Schneider ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: Any

Group Size: 10‐12 per group

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This activity offers participants the opportunity to discuss emotions which may be

difficult to express in healthy ways. In particular, Anger, Guilt and Worry which are natural grief responses, may

be internalized or expressed outwardly in unhealthy ways. This activity offers an opportunity to express

emotions verbally and then physically letting go by ‘throwing it’.

Materials

China plates

Sharpies

Tarps

Safety glasses

Safe place

Directions

Grief Specialist will assemble campers for a discussion about grief feelings which are hard to express. Encourage the campers to consider anger, guilt, worry as natural grief responses. Discuss how anger can be internalized leading to depression. Ask how they have expressed anger (or other grief feelings) prior to coming to camp or how they are expressed at home.

Then, with a sharpie and a plate, ask campers to complete the sentence: o “I’m___________ and I feel angry that____________ “. o Alternately: they can complete the sentence “I’m __________and I want to let go of

____________________”. Share what they wrote with their group.

Each camper will then step up to the line and allow that feeling to come up. Grief specialist will say: “When you are ready say what you wrote on your plate and then throw the plate as hard as you can” at the wall (location)

When each camper has had their turn, re‐convene to talk about the emotionally corrective experience of throwing the plates and ask them to consider that they have now released some of that feeling from their bodies.

End with a discussion of how they will continue to release their feelings in healthy ways when camp ends.


Rain Sticks

Organization: Amita Health St Thomas Hospice

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Chicago

Contact: Laura Cottrell ‐ [email protected]


Group Size: As many as you have hammers and volunteers.

Purpose/Clinical Goal: The world can be a stressful place for children, and it is so important for them to learn

and experience ways to calm their bodies and minds from an early age. These rain sticks can be added to their

“toolbox” of coping skills to use when needed.

Materials

Mailing tubes

Hammers

Nails

Tempera paints

Brushes

Sharpies

Directions Campers will each receive one mailing tube, hammer and cup of nails. The campers will hammer nails into the

tube (see example on Friday). After they have finished nailing, they will bring them up to the activity staff to be

filled with rice and capped. They will then paint their sticks in any pattern or style they like. The finished rain

sticks will be delivered to the campers to use at the drum circle later that evening.


Remembrance Heart

Organization: OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center Orange County

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Orange County

Contact: Megan Long ‐ megan@ourhouse‐grief.org


Group Size: Up to 20

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This grief activity helps the camper express their emotions and memories about the

person who died in a creative way. Memory building is important for children so that they retain them as they

grow. Acknowledging and honoring these memories is important for the child in processing their grief.

Materials

Muslim fabric cut hearts

Fabric markers

Pencils

Embroidery thread

Needles

Scissors

Assorted buttons

Pillow stuffing

Strips of paper (optional – decorative)

Red ribbon

Directions The death of someone close is a difficult experience for everyone. While the grief and pain of one’s death may

subside over time, your memory of this special person is likely to stay strong. Acknowledging and honoring these

memories is important for many people, and you have a variety of ways to regularly remember the person who

died. When many people think of a memorial, they think of a large outdoor structure or something grand in

scale. But even a few pictures, words, or phrases on this fabric heart will serve as a reminder of their life and the

special memories you hold close.

The Remembrance Heart activity will help you think about the person that has died. This is a time to reflect on

what this person was like and what you remember most about them.

Prompt campers to consider their memories about the person who died:

Did they have a favorite color, a nickname for you?

Did you have a special name for them? What did you do together?

What were some positive things that they would say to you or share with you?

In your group, reflect on words, phrases, quotes, stories, or questions that you may want to put on your

remembrance heart.


Remembrance Heart ‐ Continued

You are going to create this Remembrance Heart by decorating the front and back, sewing it together and then

stuffing it like a pillow. Just before you close it up you can add a note, with a special message, tied with a red

ribbon.

Creating the Remembrance Heart Instructions

You may want to apply pencil and then trace with a fabric marker that is more permanent.

Both sides of the heart may be utilized for this memorial activity.

When your artistic expression is complete, you may start the process of sewing the two hearts together.

With embroidery thread and a needle sew the two hearts together leaving a two‐inch section open to

insert stuffing.

Take your partially sewn heart to the designated pillow stuffing stations to receive your filling.

Next, return to your table to write your special message that you will insert before the final sewing. Take

a small piece of paper and write a private message that will be rolled up and tied with a ribbon.

Once the stuffing and message are placed inside, the balance of the heart may be sewed.

Additional thread design and button enhancement may be applied at this time. These embellishments

may have a significant meaning to you depending on color and design to memorialize their person:

o Are there favorite colors of your person?

o Does each of your applied buttons represent something about your special person

Be as creative as you want to best represent the memories you want to remain close to you.


Scavenger Hunt

Organization: Hospice Caring

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Montgomery County

Contact: Tammy Schmidt ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: This activity is appropriate for any age group but groups should be within the same range

Group Size: There is no specific group size but 5‐8 is best. If a group is too small, there may not be enough

conversation flow. If the group is too large, not everyone feels comfortable participating.

Purpose/Clinical Goal: 1. To wrap up the weekend with discussion questions

2. To help campers think of how they can bring their experience of camp home with

them. To help them think about how they will use what they learned at camp when they

return home.

Materials

Candles

Prepared discussion questions for each scavenger hunt station

Directions There will be a big buddy in each group who will lead the group on the scavenger hunt. This big buddy will be in

charge of reading the clues (or choosing a camper to read the clue) and guide the group through the course.

Suggested Debriefing Questions: (if time allows) After the scavenger hunt is finished, campers will have already

reflected upon several questions. Place a candle in the center of the circle as a focal point.

1. Why do you think we did this activity?

2. What is your main takeaway from your camp experience? Which coping tools did you learn? 3.

Reflection can help us during our grief journey. It can help us to realize what we already know or

recognize things in our life that can help us that we might not have noticed before. When do you think is

a good time for you to reflect?


Story Switch



Age Range: Any

Group Size: 15‐30 people

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This activity helps participants explore their creativity, while collaborating with other

group members. Simple prompts can allow opportunities for campers to express themselves and for

staff/volunteers to observe individuals in a group setting.

Materials

Chart paper

Markers

Directions

Participants are broken into small groups of 3‐5 people. Each group starts with a chart paper that says

“Once upon a time…” on the top. As a group, they should finish that sentence and add another, in total

adding 2 sentences to start their story.

o *The facilitator can include direction such as “the 2 sentences have to include the word chicken

in it somewhere”. (Ex: Once upon a time all the chicken at camp went missing. We needed to

get to the bottom of this mystery and called in a team of detectives.”)

After each group has 2 sentences, they will rotate to the next group’s poster. They read the sentences

written and then add 2 more. (Again using a word given by the facilitator if prompted). This goes on for

several rotations, until the group makes it back to the story they started. They can have a chance to add

1 final sentence to their original, or leave it as is, then read the story aloud to the large group.

o *Variation: Small groups can perform the stories for the entire group, or draw illustrations based

on the story creating a book, etc.

*This activity can be just for fun to create a silly story as a group, or can be modified to serve a deeper purpose and encourage campers to share their experiences/feelings. Campers could work on developing a story individually (with prompts from a staff member), and then potentially share with others their end result or what feelings the activity provoked for them.


Tree of Support

Organization: Our House

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin LA

Contact: Lauren Schneider ‐ lauren@ourhouse‐grief.com

Age Range: All ages

Group Size: Entire camp broken into cabins for individual processing

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To help children bond around common experiences,

thoughts and feelings that brought them to grief camp. It builds on the feeling

that camp is a safe place that will help them with their mourning process.

Materials

Pre‐cut paper leaves (in envelopes for each cabin)

markers

feelings chart

Directions Please read aloud the following: This is a camp‐wide project. Every camper will personalize 5 leaves & then all

decorated leaves will appear together on a “Tree of Support” mural which will be hung in the dining hall. The

completed mural will represent the uniqueness and similarities campers share with each other. With the

support of camp, represented by the tree, campers are able to do their grief work now and in the future. At

camp, through the connections you make with each other and the coping skills you learn, you are establishing

roots to support you when you leave.

1. Hand out the feelings chart and ask kids to circle feelings they are experiencing since the death.

Encourage them to choose at least one feeling that is the most difficult. 2. Ask each child to share that feeling and encourage the group to process their grief reactions. Normalize

thoughts/feelings. This discussion can continue during the leaf decorating activity outlined below. 3. Invite the children to decorate 5 leaves on ONE SIDE ONLY according to the guidelines below. Younger

campers may find it easiest to stop & process each leaf as completed.

Decorate a leaf with their name, who died and date of the death

Decorate a leaf with words or symbols of how you are still connected even though your person

has died (ex. eye color, interests)

Decorate a leaf with a description of the grief feelings and thoughts that apply to your situation

(ex. lonely, worried)

Decorate a leaf with words or symbols describing the way life is different since the death

Decorate a leaf with the name of a person you can go to for support after camp 4. Have children share their leaves, noting similarities and unique qualities of each child.


Worry Dolls

Organization: UnityPoint Hospice: Cedar Rapids, IA

Camp Program Name: Camp Embracing Memories

Contact: Jamie Siela, Bereavement Coordinator ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 7‐16

Group Size: 5‐8

Purpose/Clinical Goal: Normalization of grief process, opportunity for

children to express their worries, concerns, questions. A way for the

children to let go of their worries, “give” them to the dolls

Materials

Wooden clothes pins

String

heart stickers

pipe cleaners

fine tipped markers

Directions Read the “Legend of the Worry Doll” story to the children about worry and fear and how we can give it away.

Talk with the kids about fears and anxiety, how it can help to name our fears. Describe how it can be helpful to

share our worries and express them outwardly rather than keeping them bottled in.

Your One Word

Organization: Hope Loves Program

Camp Program Name:

Contact: Jodi O’Donnell‐Ames ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6 – 9 years old, 10 – 12 years old

Group Size: 15 or less

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To encourage each camper to choose a word of inspiration for guidance and support.

Materials

Black stones

various positive words

metallic marker

Directions Supply black stones (along with extras) for each participant. Discuss words, and the power of words—ask

children to list words that make them feel strong, happy, focused, proud, etc. Discuss why. Paint or use markers

to write each words on a stone and embellish them as preferred.


Cognitive Behavioral Trading Cards (CBTC)

Organization: Camp Comfort

Camp Program Name: Camp Comfort

Contact: Stephanie Heitkemper ‐ [email protected]

Age Range: 6‐12 years old (This activity has been adapted for 4‐5 years old with additional assistance.)

Group Size:

Purpose/Clinical Goal: This activity is adapted to be similar to the popular Pokémon card game. CBTC is a

friendly way to help clients reduce negative thoughts and cognitions while providing positive strengths to help

change their thoughts. This game can be played in individual, family, or group sessions.

Materials

Playing cards (see attachments)

Coloring supplies: markers, colored pencils, crayons

Pens: to write strengths and weaknesses

Images for coping skill: of people, places, and things (optional)

Directions

Ask participants to make between 2‐4 cards. To begin, it is easier to have kids think of their most positive coping skill and their negative coping skill as card references/examples

Have each participant take turns introducing their cards, so that other players understand their coping objects/skills.

Prepare players for “battle”—have the players come up with rules to mutually respect each other’s cards, and though process.

Instruct each player to pick one card for “battle”. Together review how the strengths and weaknesses compliment or contradict each other. Have players decide if one skill/object is stronger than another. There can be a tie.

At the end of the battle, facilitate conversation between players. “Did you learn anything new about a skill or object? Is there strength or weakness that is similar to your card? IS there something you’d want to adapt about your skill? If the players want, they can trade cards to remind them of other positive coping skills.


Cognitive Behavioral Trading Cards (CBTC) ‐ Continued Conversation Ideas:

Begin with sensory‐based questions to increase safety and security. Through this approach clients can start to talk about their coping skill. Questions include: What does it smell like? Feel like? Sound like? What does it taste like? What does it look like? The sensory based approach help clients gain a sense of safety and control.

Strengths and weaknesses can be used to explore the concept of healthy verse unhealthy coping skills. Combine sensory‐based questions with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients

changed their negative interpretations and behaviors by utilizing skills strengths. This is similar to the evolving of a Pokemon!

Through therapeutic play client will learn to identify new coping skills, as well as look at their coping skill(s) in a more abstract way. Through interactive play clients may be able to recognize the need for various coping skills depending on the time, place, and situation.

Things to Watch Out For:

Shaming: “Your card is better than mine” “I didn’t think of anything good”

Not sure of three strengths or two weaknesses. Clients can fill in as many as they feel comfortable with, and potentially ask for assistance from others.


Community Building Scavenger Hunt

Organization: Shimmering Wings

Camp Program Name: Camp Erin Denver

Contact: Barb Kamlet - [email protected]

Age Range: 6 - 17

Group Size: Maximum of 10 campers per group

Purpose/Clinical Goal: To orient campers to various camp site gathering places, to build community and support

among cabin groups, and to have fun

Materials

• Fabric squares

• Fabric markers

• String

• Large plastic ball (beach ball)

• Envelopes for clues

• Large wooden dowel for flag

Directions Instructions: Each group will begin at their cabin. Cabin Buddies will explain rules and will have the 1st clue

guiding them to a particular location. (Note: each group will have a specific order of locations to visit to prevent

groups getting clogged at the same location.) At each location, a volunteer will have the next clue for the group

and will provide instructions on what the group must do to earn the clue. After successful completion of the

activity, the volunteer will give the clue to the group to determine what the next location is. Cabin buddies can

participate in each activity. Everyone will reconvene in the dining hall for dinner after visiting each of the

activities.

Approximate time: 45 – 60 minutes.

mailto:[email protected]


Community Building Scavenger Hunt - Continued

Scavenger Hunt Activities

• Name Game: Sitting in a circle, the first person will say their name and something they “like” that starts with the same letter as their name, i.e., “My name is Barb and I like bananas.” The next person must say everyone’s name and what they like before them . . . “That’s Barb and she likes bananas, that’s Mary and she likes music, I’m Sarah and I like Spongebob,” etc. The whole group must participate and get it correct before they receive the clue for the next stop.

• Telephone Game: Sitting/standing in a circle, the volunteer will start the telephone with a pre-determined sentence about camp and will whisper it to the person next to them. Each person must whisper whatever they hear (no asking for repeat/clarification) to the person next to them. The last person says the sentence out loud. Even if the sentence is wrong, the group will still receive the clue.

• Got Jokes: Someone from the group must tell a joke (option for multiple jokes if the campers are into it.)

• Sing for Your Supper: Sing a song three times (i.e,, “I’m a Little Teapot”) and act out the words.

• Raise Each Other Up: Each group/person will come up with a way that they can be supportive to others, or a way they like others to support them. They will have a fabric square to write the idea on. At the end of camp, all of the fabric squares can be tied together to make one big flag.

o Supplies: Fabric squares, fabric markers, string to tie pieces together

• Ball Toss: A plastic ball is tossed around. Written on the ball are questions that the person must answer when they catch the ball. Wherever their hand/pointer finger lands is the question they must answer. The ball must get tossed to each person before receiving the next clue. Supplies: Large plastic ball such as a beach all with pre-written questions on each section of the ball.

• Jumping Jacks: Each person must do 10 jumping jacks before receiving a snack and a clue.

Documents

2017 National Bereavement Camp Conference Activity Booklet · Activity Booklet A compilation of the favorite and successful activities from the camp programs represented at the 2017