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Summer Camp for Trauma Survivors
For many kids and teens, summer equates to “camp.”
Whether it’s attending art workshops, STEM and sports camps, or vacation bible school, there are a wide range of opportunities for children to join with others to learn something new, hone a skill, or renew friendships. Each type of camp is different in the experiences it offers.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Gratiot County (CAC) offers a unique camp of its own – a summer workshop series focusing on art therapy for adolescents who have been victimized by sexual abuse or assault. This year’s theme was “Pieces of Me – a Deep Dive into Self-Acceptance.” Each day of the series, survivors write in a journal utilizing a prompt for the day, focus on a core component of self-acceptance for discussion, and work on their art project while talking through questions posed by facilitators. For example: “Think about our inner critic. What is that person saying that they would never say to a friend? Why is it okay to say it to ourselves but not to others?” This year’s art project featured puzzles with survivors designing different pieces throughout the workshop series.
There are two groups – one for middle school and one for high school. Most of the group members also take part in ongoing group programming offered monthly throughout the school year. These groups are specifically for children and teens who have been referred to the CAC as part of an abuse investigation and there is no cost to participate. Staff apply for grants to purchase art therapy supplies and request donations from the community to provide snacks, drinks, and meals for those taking part.
Most often, group support helps to supplement individual therapy. In some cases, though, the group format is the only option for these young survivors to take part in a therapeutic setting that promotes healing.
Heather Therrien
CAC Program Director
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