Mike’s Club
Mike’s Club bereavement groups for children and teens who are coping with the death of a parent, caregiver, or sibling
We offer separate groups for children, teens, and parenting adults coping with death-related loss of a parent, caregiver, or sibling. The children process their grief through creative activities, arts and crafts, and games, with the help of our trained support staff. Families are able to connect with others who are dealing with similar circumstances in a safe and peaceful environment. Parents and caregivers meet to discuss common issues, concerns, and ways to help their children cope. Mike's Club is a free program for children 5-18 years old. Groups meet every other week during the school year and are led by Hope Floats staff, clinicians and trained volunteer facilitators. For more information call Meaghan Hayes or Abby Hennigan at 781-585-4221 ext 4.
Mike's Club Academic Year Programs
Mike's Club Summer Programs
Summer Camp
We are thrilled to offer a four-week summer camp for children, teens, and families coping with a significant death-related loss. During this program we will have pizza and several amazing vendors who will be joining us each week, including The Toe Jam Puppet Band, Joe's Crazzy Critters, Barn Babies, and the Kingston Recreation Department. Children will also have the opportunity to engage in expressive-arts activities focused on processing grief and loss. While the littles, middles, and teens participate in their groups we welcome parenting adults to participate in a peer-facilitated support group for those who have lost a partner or spouse.
Registration is closed for summer camp. To register or find out more information, please call Abby Hennigan at 781-585-4221 ext 4. The deadline to register is Friday, June 23.
Parent Resources:
National Alliance for Grieving Children
The National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. Through the collective voice of our members and partners we educate, advocate and raise awareness about childhood bereavement. The NAGC is a nationwide network comprised of professionals, institutions and volunteers who promote best practices, educational programming and critical resources to facilitate the mental, emotional and physical health of grieving children and their families. Visit www.childrengrieve.org
10 Things to Help Children After a Tragedy by David Kessler
Clicl here to download - 10 things to Help Children After a Tragedy David Kessler
Help Grieving Children:
Keys to Helping Children Deal with Death & Grief by Joy Johnson
I know it in My Heart by Mary E. Plouffe
Tuck Meets A Dragonfly by Frances Charles - Parent Loss
Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Melloni
For Grieving Children:
When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscalia
Ida Always by Caron Levis
The Invisible String by Patricia Karst
Sibling Loss:
You are Not Alone: Stories by young teens who have experienced the death of a sibling by Brooke’s Place
Surviving the Death of a Sibling: Living through Grief When an Adult Brother or Sister Dies by T.J. Wray
My Sibling Still: For Those Who’ve Lost a Sibling to Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Infant Death by Megan Lacourrege
Pet Loss For Children:
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
Comfort Zone Camp
Comfort Zone Camp, Inc. developed HelloGrief.org to start a discussion on the impact of loss, and how to help grieving persons cope; as well as build a community of support for those living with grief. www.comfortzonecamp.org
Camp Erin
Camp Erin is the largest national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.
Children and teens ages 6-17 attend a transformational weekend camp that combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, free of charge for all families. Led by grief professionals and trained volunteers, Camp Erin provides a unique opportunity for youth to increase levels of hope, enhance self-esteem, and especially to learn that they are not alone. Camp Erin