Children infected with, and affected by, HIV/AIDS face tremendous challenges, many of which are created or intensified by the disease itself. Whether it is anger, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, poor educational performance, or feelings of hopelessness, Rise n’ Shine’s Emotional Support Services help children and teens develop community and life skills necessary for them to begin to overcome these challenges.
Magic Circles
Magic Circles are peer support groups offered to our children throughout the school year. Magic Circles are a safe, confidential, non-judging space where children can come: to grips with AIDS in their family; understand the grieving and loss process; learn more about HIV /AIDS; process the myriad of feelings they experience such as anger, anxiety, fear, and hopelessness; deal with the complexities of a family with HIV/AIDS and learn life skills. Creative and visual arts are often used to help facilitate the group process.
Summer Camp Family Groups
Family Groups build community at summer camp allowing younger campers and older campers to work together, share together, and learn together. Participating in these groups provides a chance for campers to share challenges and hear stories from other campers. Connections happen as all realize the common bond that brings them together at camp…HIV/AIDS.
Grief & Loss Circles
Grief and Loss Circles are available to children and teens during the impending loss of a loved one or after a death. They are a chance for children to feel the support of others in the Rise n’ Shine family including, fellow campers, mentors, camp counselors, staff, and siblings. Through the creative arts, tears, and laughter, loved ones are remembered and honored and our children, teens, and young adults are supported and assisted through their journey of grief.
Memorial & Celebration of Life Services
Children and teens living with HIV/AIDS in their families deal daily with the anticipatory grief and the fear that their loved one may die. Others meet grief first hand when a mother or father does die. To honor their fears and sadness and to help with the healing process, Rise n’ Shine hosts an annual Memorial & Celebration of Life Ceremony in the outdoor chapel at summer camp. Parents who have died in the past year are honored. The names list is read each year of all Rise n’ Shine family members and children who have died. Those parents and siblings who are living with HIV/AIDS are celebrated with hand-made memorials.
