Children's Program

 

Continuum of Support of Bereaved Children

Child Grief Support Programs Winter/Spring 2010

The type of support that children receive during their bereavement can impact their health, social relationships and future success in school. Our programs are designed to empower children to transform grief from a painful experience into one of deep learning and personal growth.

Children's Support Group (children 5-13)
This support group is ideal for children who have experienced a loss due to death. The first and most important lesson will be that they are not alone. Over eight 1½-hour sessions, children are encouraged to process their grief through a variety of friendship-building and grief-related activities. Wednesdays beginning March 24, 2010 LHS Day Camps (Children 5-12 yrs.)
Our day camps are an excellent opportunity for bereaved children to learn how to better support themselves and their peers through the challenging rite of passage that comes with grief. Through games, crafts and commemorating activities children strengthen resiliency skills needed to navigate future losses and life transitions.
Spring Series: Sat. Apr. 24, Fri. Apr. 30 & Sat. May 1/10
(registration deadline for Spring Series - April 12/10)
Summer Series: Wed. July 14, 21, 28/10
(registration deadline for Summer Series - July 5/10)

Camp Chrysalis
This four-day retreat is ideal for children ages 7 to 13 who have participated in a loss support program and would like four days of fun, sharing and celebration of the values, and insight that working through a loss gifts us with. This camp is designed and supervised by bereaved youths from our Leadership Training Program. Thurs. Aug. 19 - Sun. Aug. 22/10 (registration deadline for Camp Chrysalis - August 2/10)

There are no fees for our programs but pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact
Jane Corkish, Child & Teen Bereavement Coordinator
Langley Hospice Society
604-530-1115
janecorkish@langleyhospice.com

One-on-One Support (all ages)
Education and practical support Parents or caregivers of child
Education of secondary care givers (extended family, teachers …..)
Individualized support of children & teens (support groups don't work for everyone)

Support Groups (ages 4-18)

• Typically 8-10 sessions
• Focus is on support and emotional & social skill development
• Children learn how to support themselves and each other
• Some children return as "co-facilitators" (duties are tailored to skill level)

Day Camps & Four Day Retreat (ages 7-13)
Ideal for:

• Children who have had a chance to work through their initial grief
• Are developing emotional independence from their family
• Find comfort in a community of children who have also experienced loss

Leadership Team Training (ages 13-21)

• Complete a grief support group
• Workshop training in HEALS Activities facilitation & management of children in a recreational setting ( safety, recreation, behavior management )
• Begin by volunteering as a day camp counselor & debrief following camp
• Successful volunteers become counselors at Four Day Bereavement Camp