Helping Hands Reaching for HOPE
Suggested Group(s): All
Purpose: To help children identify supports outside of the Caring Place, learn there is still hope after a loved one dies, and to observe Children's Grief Awareness Day.
Task/Need: Continued Support
Activity Set-up Ideas:
- Ask the group to think of people who help/support them at the Caring Place and/or outside the Caring Place.
- For older children discuss what hope means and who brings them hope.
Materials:
- 1 large cut out of a butterfly
- Crayons/Markers
- Stickers
- Other materials they want to add to it
Description: Show the group a large, pre-cut butterfly and explain that they are each going to trace their hands on it. Instruct the group to decorate the butterfly and hands any way they wish with the following words across the top: Helping Hands Reaching for HOPE. Then tell the children they can write the names of people who bring them hope on their hand print.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas:
- Ask the group members to share about the person whose name they wrote on their hand print and how that person helped them after their loved one died.
- Discuss ways the group could help children who lost a loved one but did not come to the Caring Place.
Suggestions: You can use this activity as a group closure activity by having group members write their names on their hand print, similar to the Good-bye Banner.
