Grief and loss are life experiences we all share,
ALL of us—including children.
Kids need support during the grieving process, and sometimes the love of family isn’t enough to forge a bridge between sorrow and hope, especially when family members are struggling with their own sense of loss.
Photo by ThePixelMan via Pixabay
The value of “external” grief support wasn’t something I’d given much thought to until I happened upon an organization called the National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC).
Now, I can’t stop thinking about what a wonderful service they provide, so I had to share it with you.
Photo by Mojpe via Pixabay
The mission of NAGC is to “promote awareness of the needs of children and teens grieving a death and provide education and resources for anyone who wants to support them.”
They provide a directory of grief support providers who serve children, teens and their families nationwide. The services that caught my attention, in particular, are the many Bereavement Camps that offer kids a chance to get outdoors and get active with other kids who have endured the death of a loved one.
I’ve always believed that good work, fresh air, and friendship are the BEST therapies for healing the heart.
Photo by AdinaVoicu via Pixabay
One glowing example of a Bereavement Camp is The Moyer Foundation’s Camp Erin, the largest national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. With numerous locations throughout North America, Camp Erin offers children and teens (ages 6 to 17) the opportunity to attend a transformational weekend camp that combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, free of charge for all families. Camp weekends are led by grief professionals and trained volunteers who help kids recover hope, build self-esteem, and learn that they are not alone.
Photo by Pezibear via Pixabay
Certainly, there is no nobler mission.
Here’s how you can get in touch or lend a hand:
NAGC Bereavement Camp Directory
What Do We Tell Children? (Resources for Grief Support)
Donate to the NAGC
Winnie Nielsen 
Irene Dutken 
Judith Lickteig 
Donna Lizbeth 
Madelyn Shields 
Brigitte Gaudreault 
Cathy R 
Krista 
Amy Cloud Chambers 
What is incredible about this hummingbird photo is that it looks like it’s wings are still. I have never seen a hummingbird still. Amazing!
Beautiful , I love the little bird and the colors
Keep the pictures coming! Love them.
Hummingbirds do stay in one spot, to “watch”, to “preen”, to “savor” before they take off for another destination–feeder, flower, water fountain, a swing! There are times I’ll be feeling blue, look up, and one immediately appears at my feeder LOOKING DIRECTLY AT ME! I know it is an “Angel” sending me a message of love and confidence, believing it is truly my mom, twin sister, or dad. Instantly, I feel so much better, send up my Thank Yous, and go on with my day smiling and calm.
Goodwill and love humming your way:)