On the Wings of HOPE
Suggested Group(s): Young/Middle/Teen/Adult
Purpose: To allow the children to discuss the concept of holding on to HOPE as well as Children's Grief Awareness Day.
Task/Need: Relate the loss to a context of meaning, continued support
Activity Set-up Ideas:
- Ask the group what hope means to them and what brings them hope at the Caring Place/outside the Caring Place.
- Instruct the group to think of a message they would like to send to their families members who died. (Example: I hope…)
Materials:
- Nylon Butterflies (one for each group member)
- Fabric Markers
- Fabric Paint
- Glitter and other decorations
Description: Explain to your group that they will be designing HOPE butterflies and writing messages to their loved ones on the butterfly wings. Children and teens may use any art supply they wish to decorate their HOPE butterflies. Ask if group members want to share their messages with one another.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas:
- Discuss how they decorated their butterflies and what significance it has for them or their loved ones.
- Ask group members what it was like to write their messages and listen to the other messages written by their group.
- Invite group members to share messages for other grieving children/families to spread hope.
- Talk about what Children’s Grief Awareness Day means to them.
Suggestions: You could have group members write words that remind them of hope on the butterfly wings.