Support grieving children and families in Slovakia

The last year summer camp for the children who have lost their close persons is over and we are slowly getting ready for the next one. It will take place in 2 sessions – 20 - 25 July and 27 July - 1 August respectively, under the topic “Let´s change the world within 7 days“.

So far we have booked a cottage in Oravský Podzámok for approximately 80 children and 12 camp monitors. We are looking for the summer camp monitors among the PLAMIENOK staff and volunteers.

Now we are preparing promotional material which will be distributed to the families in the care of PLAMIENOK, schools, children counselling centres, as well as published on social networks and other media.

Among other activities which are ahead we can mention a preparatory meeting which is going to be held in May. The team consisted of psychologists, social workers and volunteers will discuss the programme and issues related to the particular activities.

During the last summer camp we witnessed a lot of great experiences, fun, enjoyed a great deal of affinity and support and we do hope to experience the same great time, if not even greater, also this year. Also thanks to you, our supporters, we can provide the children who have experienced a loss of their sibling or parent, with a safe space for sharing grief and the opportunity to meet new friends with similar experience. Through experiences, games, trips and therapeutic activities they can enjoy new emotions, express their feelings and find sources how to cope with them.

After having completed the summer camp in Orava, we could fully focus on realisation of the next weekend meeting of grieving families which Plamienok has been organising since 2005.

The last September weekend 12 families, thereof 14 children and 22 adults got together in Podkylava. Eight of Plamienok staff, two volunteers, a camerawoman Violeta and frater Peter provided professional, organisational and human assistance to the families who have lost their next of kin – a sibling, a mother or a father. Together we enjoyed a lot of love, affinity and support.

On Sunday morning we took a trip to the beautiful surroundings of the Cachtice castle. In the afternoon the families took the opportunity to commemorate the deceased children, to express what the children have brought into their lives, have taught them and the feelings linked to the life after. The parents were teaching each other regardless of the children´s age. During adults´ conversations the children were creating messages to their late siblings and sometimes they helped their parents moderate grief while commemorating. When the participated families received the invitation to the Plamienok Grief counselling day centre   in Bratislava, one could feel their gratitude and some of them offered their help as appreciation.

The music evening under the direction of the Sendrei family group was manifestation of both a great music production and humanity; understanding and enthusiasm that helped the families overcome their pain. Some of the parents were leaving with the feeling they do not want to forget this moment and with the intention to start life as it was before.

On Sunday the worship followed after the conversation, bathing in a pool and photographing. All, the parents, children as well as the Plamienok staff, together experienced a warm encouragement and a deep joy.