“This place can really change someone’s perspective.”
“It’s safe and comfortable.”
“I liked how the garden was so cool.”
“Places like this are important- it helps people a lot. If there weren’t places like this, the world would be much sadder.”
These are some thoughts shared by elementary students who came to visit Bo’s Place last month. On Tuesday, April 1 students from Nottingham Elementary School’s Student Council came to Bo’s Place for a special field trip to learn more about our services and to deliver over 300 handmade cards they created for Bo’s Place volunteers, as a part of Volunteer Appreciation Month.
Welcomed by Bo’s Place clinicians Dianne Baek, Lori Bokone, Julie Hogg, and Donna Olson Salas, students were invited into the training room to learn about how Bo’s Place serves the community, participated in a “What is Grief?” activity, and listened to a grief book for children called “Why Do I Feel So Sad,” by Tracey Lambert, LPC.
After learning about common grief responses, students were led on a tour of the building, getting a peek at the rooms where our support groups meet, as well as the art room, play room, and activity room where they stopped for a teambuilding exercise. Outdoor spaces were also visited, including the Memory Garden and Matthew’s Garden.
Students returned to the training room to learn about how to support bereaved peers. Utilizing a handout from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) called “Supporting A Friend Who Is Grieving,” Bo’s Place staff reviewed tips for helping and supporting others. The handout includes tips for both elementary and secondary age students, and can be accessed here.
Before their departure, students shared their own ways that they could be supportive to others, writing down ideas on colorful paper strips which were formed into rings and connected together, creating a long “Chain of Support.” Many wonderful ideas were shared about how to be kind and helpful to those who are grieving or going through a difficult time.
We thank the students and staff at Nottingham Elementary for their generosity, for being wonderful guests at Bo’s Place, and for being leaders in the community!
