The week of July 16^th kicked of the first summer day program at The Children's Room.  A dozen young children are spending the week together making crafts and going to the park, having a typical summer experience.  All of the children have experienced the death of someone close to them, either a parent or a sibling.  Some of them have experienced this loss recently, within the last few months.  The camp program incorporates special elements for the children such as creating memory boxes and stepping stones, but we know that the most important part of our camp is the chance for these kids to come together with others in a similar situation.  It is peer connections that make The Children's Room special. 

In addition to our regular staff here at camp, we have several counselors-in-training who have also experienced a loss in their own lives and are using that experience to help the younger children.  Some of these teens are alumni of The Children's Room. 

Our next summer program begins August 13^th with a new set of children.

The Library is Now Open

Last summer a volunteer came up with the idea of creating a lending library at The Children's Room.  So she formed a group and started collecting books.  She asked for expert advice from a professor of library sciences at Simmons College, and in one short year we have a library full of hundreds of books.  We even have a computerized system to check out books, look up titles and peruse our catalog.

Teen Performance Troupe’s Successful First Season

Our traveling performance troupe of teens completed its first season and wowed audiences around the area.  This group of seven teenagers told their individual and collective stories of love, loss and learning to audiences of students and teachers, and the general public.  The performance was a mixture of the poignant and the humorous.  In one skit they lampoon the guidance counselor who can’t remember their name.  In another, they describe how difficult it is to get out of bed and face everything.  We look forward to the next troupe starting in the fall and inspiring us some more.

Birmingham, Alabama welcomes The Children's Room

Our executive director and program director traveled to Birmingham, AL for a two day conference on child grief.  This annual symposium featured speakers from all over the country who presented topics on the best practices for supporting grieving children and their families.  It is the best opportunity for networking and sharing information.  We returned with lots of inspiring ideas.  The symposium is sponsored by the National Alliance for Grieving Children, and Barbara Clarke, Executive Director of The Children's Room was just named to their board of directors which is a great honor for our organization.

The Children's Room Plans for the Future

As a grassroots organization, The Children's Room has helped hundreds of children in eastern Massachusetts after the death of a close family member.  Not only do we offer groups where children can come together and make connections with other children, but we also provide referrals and information to hundreds of callers each month.  Now we are ready to plan what’s next for The Children's Room.  We have begun a strategic planning process that should last through the fall as we develop our goals and plans for the next few years.  Surveys have been sent to our families, volunteers, friends and supporters, and we are excited about the new opportunities open to us in the future. 

Feedback is always welcome, email bclarke@childrensroom.org with any suggestions.