We work with children ages 6-18 and their parents who are experiencing grief as a result of a loss due to divorce or death of a loved one. Footprints provides an environment where grieving children can express what they feel, and learn that they are not alone in dealing with the tough circumstances life sometimes brings.
The Footprints schedule is one hour a day, once a week, for eight (8) weeks and scheduled on an as needed basis. All activities and sessions will be conducted in a group format led by three (3) trained, non-related adult volunteers with 6 or 8 children in each group. All staff volunteers and facilitators are trained in the overall process, in the specifics of the activities, and how to recognize and work with grieving children. The activities and games are designed to help children understand their emotions and begin to deal with them. All activities and games are group-based emphasizing the theme of "You are not alone."
While the children’s sessions are being conducted a session for the parent or guardians with a facilitator trained to answer questions will also be provided on site. The Footprints Ministry will need volunteers at many levels and with diverse skill sets. Roles will include working directly with the children, arts & crafts, administration, and promotion. All volunteers will be screened, interviewed, and trained. Background checks will be conducted on everyone involved in the ministry.
Camp Agape is a safe place that provides a fun and supportive atmosphere, while fostering faith, healing and hope for children, teens, and families through their grief journey.
Description
Camp Agape is a grief support program that supports children and families who are grieving the death of a loved one. Each year, Camp Agape assists children and families who are dealing with the death of a parent or other significant familial figure from tragedies such as homicide, suicide, illness, military combat, and COVID-19. Camp Agape provides a summer camp, family camp, and after school program.
The trained staff and counselors are committed to sharing the belief that there is Hope beyond despair and will provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children to heal from the pain of grief. We typically have 4 groups separated into boy/girl groups by age where each camper is paired with a Buddy who will mentor the camper throughout the entire camp program.
A child’s unresolved grief results in mental health problems that increase government costs (conservatively estimated at $250,000 over the course of a lifetime, per the National Alliance for Grieving Children research) for social and criminal justice programs. Children who have experienced the death of a parent are more likely to suffer depression, have substance abuse issues or commit violent crimes. Camp Agape helps children address their grief by learning positive and age appropriate coping skills.
We work to make children’s lives easier and equip their families with the tools to help the entire family through the pain, anguish, and ambiguity of the trauma that is grief due to the loss of a loved one.
