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Note from LinkU

Not sure where to start? Take the free Community Needs Assessment to receive a personalized list of support services in your area!

Disclaimer: While we are proud to offer this information, DC Health cannot be held responsible for the experience encountered with any of the service providers listed on the DC Health LinkU Network.

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LinkU by findhelp - Search and Connect to Social Care

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Find social services that serve your area, anywhere in the US

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Family Oriented Kindness Activities to Participate at Home

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Family Oriented Kindness Activities to Participate at Home

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Know Your Rights Training: Giving Families A New Tool to Report Bullying 

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Know Your Rights Training: Giving Families A New Tool to Report Bullying 

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Free In-Person Training

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See handout for a summary of the key information and strategies shared by the BEE Well Team during the Busy Bees Parent Workshop on 10/1.

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Overview of the Busy Bees Parent Workshop (Engl)

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Español

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Overview of the Busy Bees Parent Workshop Spanish

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The Beyond Bullying Virtual Summit (FREE)

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The Beyond Bullying Virtual Summit (FREE)

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Register for the free virtual summit to learn how to address bullying with children from experts in the field.

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Beyond Bullying Summit: Free Virtual Event

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Parents & Teachers: 21 expert interviews give proven strategies to help kids and teens build resilience and stop bullying.

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Welcome Letter for 2nd-5th Grade Families (English)

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Welcome Letter for 2nd-5th Grade Families (English)

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English

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Seaton Youth Bullying POC: Ms. Bonita Toorie

Contact Info: bonita.toorie@k12.dc.gov

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Metro Lift offers 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips for DC, Maryland, and Virginia customers enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). See link for more info.

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Metro news and service information for the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

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Families can contact DC Access Helpline (888-793-4357) to learn more about mental health services offered in DC for children and adult.

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The Access HelpLine at 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and its certified behavioral health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by behavioral health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care. The Access Helpline can activate mobile crisis teams to respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive behavioral health services.

Call the Access Helpline to:

Get emergency psychiatric care

Help with problem solving

Determine whether to seek ongoing mental health services or other types of services

Find out what services are available

Young people can call the Access Helpline for help dealing with the drama of family, death, school, drugs, gangs and violence. We can help you sort out and manage feelings of hopelessness, anger, grief, stress or whatever is troubling you.

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The Access HelpLine at 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and its certified behavioral health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by behavioral health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care.

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Welcome Letter for 2nd-5th Grade Families (Spanish)

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Welcome Letter for 2nd-5th Grade Families (Spanish)

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The Books from Birth program is open to all children under the age of five who live in Washington, D.C. All enrolled children receive a free book in the mail each month from birth until they turn five.

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To register, simply complete the Imagination Library online registration form with your child's information. You can also register using our Spanish language form .

As of June 10, 2024, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is offering a new book option for families. The new option includes 100% Bilingual English/Spanish books from when the child enters the program until they graduate at age five. In addition, those families selecting this option can also select which language they would prefer communication to arrive in.
If you are currently participating in Books from Birth and would like to make the change to the new Bilingual English/Spanish book collection, do so before June 28, 2024 to receive your first bilingual book in the month of August 2024. See instructions in the FAQ below.
If you have any questions when registering, contact us at booksfrombirth@dc.gov. Once you have registered, you should receive an email confirming your approval. Please note: this email will not come from the DC Public Library but from our vendor, Imagination Library.
Sign Up for Books from Birth

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All children who live in DC are eligible to receive a free book by mail each month from birth until age five to build their home libraries.

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English Classes | Briya Public Charter School

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English Classes | Briya Public Charter School English Classes Immigrant parents reach their goals in a culturally sustaining class environment. Supported by engaged staff and a vibrant peer community, students choose educational pathways that meet their families’ unique needs. English Classes Interest Form Video: Sandra’s Story English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) In the

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The DCPS Families in Transition Program assists families and youth who have been displaced from their homes or are residing shelters.

Ms. Hayes is the McKinney Vento liaison for Seaton Elementary. She can help eligible students and families meet their needs including: enrollment, transportation (smart trip for parent), uniforms, school supplies, and referrals for health care, dental, mental health, substance abuse, housing and other community resources.

Contact

sierra.hayes@k12.dc.gov

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The Seaton Mental Health Team provides a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is designed to help us identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. It focuses on the “whole child.” That means it supports academic growth, but many other areas, too. These include behavior, social and emotional needs, and absenteeism (not attending school).

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https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=7kagKk6zM0qSt5md8rwKMn2fAASs_05MrwrljSllWmlUNFZFNEJTTVdYRVhOMVRVTjJXRTVNNE5LUSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

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Mental Health Services – Seaton Elementary School

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The Seaton Mental Health Team provides a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is designed to help us identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. It focuses on the “whole child.” That means it supports academic growth, but many other areas, too. These include behavior, social and emotional needs, and absenteeism (not attending school).

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Welcome back Seaton families. We are so excited to have our Stingers back in the building. This handout created by the BEE Well team identifies some back to school tips for families to support their child's transition back to school.

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Hillcrest Children and Family Center is Seaton's community mental health partner. This means there will be a licensed clinician (Monica Patel) onsite during the school week to provide individual therapy services, groups, and consultation services.

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Hillcrest Children And Family Center - Hillcrest Children and Family Center (Hillcrest Center) is a behavioral health care and social services agency that provides behavioral health treatment and prevention as well as community and family support services.

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Seaton POC for Hillcrest: Monica Patel (mpatel@hillcrest-dc.org)

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Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about the school year, visit DCPSReopenStrong.com.

(Click question to expand)

What do I do if I can't sign into my school computer?

Use your username and password from last year to sign in to your school computer.
Your username will be the same from last year, and should be formatted in the following way:[email protected]

Example: if your Student ID is 123456789, then your username will be [email protected]

If you've already tried your password from last year, try your date of birth using the following format: MMDDYY.

Example: if your birthday is October 8, 1996, then your password would be 100896

If you still are having problems signing into your computer, please fill out the Password Help form.

What do I do if I'm having problems with my device?

If you are still having problems with your computer, please call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center, where a person will help you.

Where can I get help with using my Pre-K student's iPad?

What do I do if I'm having trouble connecting to the internet?

If students or parents/guardians need support with their mobile hotspot, please reference the user guide found here. In addition, you can call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center for questions about the hotspot.

If students need help turning on their internet connection on their LTE-enabled DCPS Microsoft Go, please reference the user guide found here. In addition, you can call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center for questions about connecting the device to the internet.

If you don't have a connection to the internet, please let your school know.

Where am I supposed to log in again in the morning?

Canvas is DCPS' learning management system and you can log on at https://dcps.instructure.com/. Your username and password should be the same as the above. Once you've logged into Canvas, use Teams to join your virtual classroom online.

What do I do if I can't find Microsoft Teams?

Please reference the user guide found here to install Microsoft Teams. If you are still having problems with your computer, please call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center, where a person will help you.

What do I do if my camera isn't working?

Please reference the user guide found here to check for and install Windows Updates. This should fix your camera issue. If you are still having problems with your computer, please call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center, where a person will help you.

Who should families call for technical support?

If students or parents/guardians need support with accessing DCPS systems (e.g. Canvas, Teams) or with a DCPS-issued device or hotspot, they can call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center.
Families can learn more about technology at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/resources/technology/.

How do families access Canvas?

The username is the student ID#@students.k12.dc.us (e.g. [email protected]).
The password is your 6-digit date of birth (MMDDYY), unless the student's password was previously changed to a custom password. This will be the student's password to start the school year. In September, students will be prompted to change their passwords to better secure our students' online accounts in this virtual environment.

How do families turn on their Surface Go?

What should families do if their hotspot is not working?

If students or parents/guardians need support with their mobile hotspot, please reference the user guide found here.In addition, you can call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center for questions about the hotspot.

How do students turn on their internet connection if they have an LTE-enabled DCPS device?

Please reference the user guide found here. In addition, you can call (202) 442-5885 and Press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center for help.

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For more information about the school year, visit DCPSReopenStrong.com. (Click question to expand) What do I do if I can't sign into my school computer? Use your username and password from last year to sign in to your school computer.

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Register Here: https://dcwashingtonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=AR&SubType=Out-of-School%20Time

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Mayor Muriel Bowser established and championed the Kids Ride Free transit subsidy program to ensure that enrolled District students who are also District residents can get to school and school-related activities for free. The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District.

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Volo Kids Foundation | Unlocking The Power of Play

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Play for free or register to volunteer with Volo Kids D.C.! All programs include a player shit, coaches, equipment, post-program snack, and so much more!

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For Love of Children has served over 10,000 of DC youths since 1965. Our programs work! Enroll my student! FLOC Program Flyer Through intervention tutoring, we work with each student one on one to bring them to grade level proficiency in reading or math, as well as coach middle school, high school, and postsecondary students [...]

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Words, Beats, & Life Free After School Classes

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Words, Beats, & Life Free After School Classes

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More info can be found here: https://wblinc.org/academyclasses

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At Kingman Boys and Girls Club, we're dedicated to empowering young individuals aged 5 to 18 from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area by offering a wide array of enriching opportunities. From tailored educational programs and cultural experiences to engaging in athletic and recreational activities and equipping them with life skills, we pave the way for their journey towards success and social responsibility. We're here to shape tomorrow's leaders, ensuring that every child's potential is realized and nurtured.

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Kingman Boys & Girls Club is a childcare provider in Washington, DC. For more information, please call us or send us a message.

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Children's After School and Saturday Programs

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Children's After School and Saturday Programs

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Students aged 6-18 in the after-school program learn Kung Fu, Lion and Dragon Dance, and African Drumming in addition to developing leadership and teamwork skills.

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Free Children’s Programs | HUNG TAO CHOY MEI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

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Program offers families a wide range of child care options.

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September is Suicide Prevention Month. This handout created by the BEE Well team has information about identifying warning signs in children and how to obtain mental health support for your child at Seaton and the DC community.

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When families are supported in their homes and communities, their children can better focus and thrive in school. That’s why DC offers the following supports for families: 211 211 is an information and referral helpline for health and human services, food assistance, and housing assistance. 211 is available 24/7 to help connect you or someone you care about with quick, confidential help. Family Success Centers

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Families and Youth in Transition Program Info

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Families and Youth in Transition Program Info

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Families and Youth in Transition Program

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Free resources & support for students in temporary/transitional housing.

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Skip to main content

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

Conocer más

Stock photo by iStock.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
read stories of hope & recovery

First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

Show What Happens When You Call The Lifeline

Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

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Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Learn about suicide, how you can help prevent it, and resources for those affected, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Our mission: save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide

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ChAMPS (Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Services) 

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ChAMPS (Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Services) 

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ChAMPS (Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service) - Catholic Charities DC

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The Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChAMPS) is an emergency response mental health service for children, teenagers and adolescent adults in D.C. D.C. residents can call 202-481-1400 for emergency mental health and psychiatric care 24/7, 365 days a year.

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Services include advocacy and crisis support services for the LGBTQIA+ community.

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The Trevor Project | For Young LGBTQ Lives

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The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor. Free and confidential.

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Grief & Trauma Resources | Wendt Center for Loss & Healing

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Tip Sheets, Videos, Resources for Caregivers and Families, Seniors, and Employers that can help with grief, trauma, and COVID 19.

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PBS for Parents Back to School Resources

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PBS for Parents Back to School Resources

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Help kids get ready for school! Here’s how to start with free printable checklists, daily routines for kids, and easing worries about going back to school.

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The term " school refusal " used to be more or less synonymous with truancy, invoking a picture of kids hanging out on the street corner, or holed up in their bedrooms playing video games.

While it is true that some game-playing might well be involved, it's important to understand that school refusal is not the same as playing hooky. It isn't driven by the allure of having fun outside of school, but rather by an aversion to school itself.

Problematic patterns

Everyone resists going to school once in a while, but school refusal behavior is an extreme pattern of avoiding school that causes real problems for a child. School refusal is distinguished from normal avoidance by a number of factors:

How long a child has been avoiding school

How much distress she associates with attending school

How strongly she resists

How much her resistance is interfering with her (and her family's) life

Including all these aspects is important, because a child can still have school refusal even if she attends school most days. I've worked with kids who have missed only a day or two of school, but they've been tardy 30 times because their anxiety is so extreme it keeps them from getting to school on time. Kids with school refusal might also have a habit of leaving early, spending a lot of time visiting the nurse, or texting parents throughout the day.

Suspicious sick days

Often kids with school refusal will start reporting unexplained symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Anxiety does manifest in physical ways, so their symptoms could be indicative of that. As a parent, the first thing you want to do in this situation is get your child checked out by a pediatrician; you don't want to overlook a medical problem. But it may be that going to school is her problem.

Related: Anxiety in the Classroom

Sometimes resistance to attending school is just a little blip on the radar, and it can be easily remedied. Maybe your child had the flu and was out for a good amount of time, and now she is having a hard time making the transition back to school. Suddenly she's getting clingy and anxious about all the homework she missed.

In this scenario, it is important not to prolong time at home. Instead, you want to have a conversation with the teacher and with your daughter. You want to be able to tell her, "We've talked to your teacher, and he knows you were sick. I know you're worried, but he understands. It's time to get back to school." Then she returns to school and often things go relatively smoothly.

Similarly, some kids in school experience blips of anxiety after vacations. The key point is to get children back in school as soon as possible.

More serious concerns

When school refusal starts to become a bigger problem-it's going on for numerous days, weeks or even months- you should reach out and ask for help. This includes kids who go to school but only attend partial days because they are spending a lot of time in the nurse's office and getting sent home early from school.

Understanding the problem

For more serious cases of school refusal, the first step in treatment is getting a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. While school refusal is not a diagnosable disorder, it often accompanies disorders like separation anxiety, social anxiety, depression or panic disorder. A complete assessment helps treatment professionals understand what is underlying school refusal, allowing them to tailor therapy to your child's particular situation.

Listen up

It's also possible that something specific is happening at school, like bullying or a difficult class. This doesn't mean you should immediately jump in and ask your child who doesn't want to go to school, "Who's bullying you?" But it is important to know what is going on in your child's life. You should expect to hear what her teacher is like and how homework is going. You should also have a sense of the kids your child is hanging out with. These are all things that should come up in everyday conversation. And if your child mentions that something happened that day, perk your ears and put down whatever you were doing and listen in a nonjudgmental way, because it could be important.

Reaching out

Treatment providers working with kids who have school refusal will often use cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps kids learn to manage their anxious thoughts and face their fears. While kids who are anxious might disagree, the best way to get over anxiety is actually to get more comfortable with feeling anxious. Kids need the chance to see that they can attend school and their worst fears won't happen. Exposure therapy, which reintroduces kids to the school environment gradually, is very effective at this. In the very beginning of treatment, this might mean driving by the school or walking through its empty halls on the weekend. From there kids can work up to attending one or two classes and then eventually attending a full day towards the end of treatment.

It's best to be proactive and catch school refusal as soon as you can. Unfortunately, the longer a child misses school, the harder it is to get back in the routine, because being absent is very reinforcing. I have worked with families that describe getting ready for school like it's a battle complete with huge tantrums. Sometimes the morning gets so challenging and exhausting that mom and dad just give up and say, "Fine, stay home; I'll go pick up your homework." It's a very understandable situation, but again, letting it continue puts kids one day further from being back at school. It is important for parents to know that the sooner the child gets back to school the better, and reaching out for help is an important first step.

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Kid Refuses to Go to School | School Refusal Behavior | Child Mind Institute

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The term " school refusal " used to be more or less synonymous with truancy, invoking a picture of kids hanging out on the street corner, or holed up in their bedrooms playing video games. While it is true that some game-playing might well be involved, it's important to understand that school refusal is not the same as playing hooky.

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Family and friends of D.C. Jail inmates have the opportunity to access video-visitation stations at select DC Public Libraries to make live connections with D.C. Jail inmates.

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DC Public Library partners with D.C. Jail in their Video Visitation program.

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FREE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS
Children's Bereavement Center® (CBC) and adult division Lift From Loss® provides FREE grief support groups for children, teens and adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Peer grief support groups are open-ended. Participants may join groups at any time during the year after attending an Orientation. Because grief is unique to each individual, children and their families decide their length of participation at the CBC. Losses can be recent or in years past.

All peer grief support groups are FREE

Groups for all ages (4+)

Orientations held weekly, registration is required

Groups are available for:

Elementary School Groups (Younger: kindergarten - 2nd grade; Older: 3rd - 5th grade)

Middle School Groups

High School Groups

Young Adult Groups for 18-30-somethings

Adult Groups (English, Spanish and Creole coming soon)

Groups facilitated by mental health professionals

Activities include music and art therapy & candle lighting ceremonies

Groups meet virtually every week in the evening via Zoom

Participants decide how long they wish to attend group

Open to anyone who has lost a loved one as a result of illness, accident, suicide or homicide

Dedicated perinatal and infant loss groups for child loss before birth or during infancy

Groups welcome all those touched by the loss of a loved one and are non-denominational, culturally diverse and welcoming of all identities

For young children, we are working with our art and music specialists to create activities that our elementary-aged participants can complete at home with their parents or caregivers.

If you or someone you know needs support after the loss of a loved one:

PLEASE CALL 888-988-5438 or e-mail support@childbereavement.org TO REGISTER FOR OUR FREE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS or fill out this form and we'll call you back during business hours. Calls are returned during office hours Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm unless there is a holiday. Registration is required.
Looking for a resource on how to talk to a grieving child? Click HERE!

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FREE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS Children's Bereavement Center® (CBC) and adult division Lift From Loss® provides FREE grief support groups for children, teens and adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Peer grief support groups are open-ended. Participants may join groups at any time during the year after attending an Orientation.

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Grief Resources for Parents & Caregivers | Dougy Center

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Helping a child or teen who is grieving can be overwhelming. Use this page to narrow down our extensive library of free resources by topic and type.

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Get help explaining death to children. Explore our free, bilingual resources for families, providers, and teachers on coping with grief and loss of loved ones.

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Additional Resources - Coalition to Support Grieving Students

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Booklets, guidelines, PDF files, PPT files, articles, books and external resources.

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Safe Shores: Support Services for Children Affected by Abuse

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Safe Shores: Support Services for Children Affected by Abuse

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Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center | The DC Children’s Advocacy Center

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Safe Shores works with and advocates for children and adolescents in the District of Columbia (DC) that are affected by trauma and violence.

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Bullying Awareness & Prevention Themed Book Lists

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Bullying Awareness & Prevention Themed Book Lists

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See website for a list of books related to bullying awareness and prevention that parents/caregivers can read to children.

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The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
What's in a name, Shakespeare asked. For a child whose whole world is changing, the continuity of her own name may mean an awful lot. And friends who are willing to take the time to learn her name may mean even more. This is a great book about acceptance, friendship, and change.

Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy by Bob Soronson, Ph.D.
The big idea of empathy is boiled down to the simple act of noticing the lives, experiences, and emotions of others. One part mindfulness, one part social skills lesson, and one part sweet story, this book is a helpful tool for your home library.

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A Growing List of Picture Books about Bullies, Bystanders, and Being Kind - Doing Good Together™

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Teach your child to be an "upstander." Give your child the tools to take a stand with this growing collection of books, conversation starters, and links. You may also want to browse our collection of Chapter Books about Bullies, Bystanders, and Being Kind for your older child or your n

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PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

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PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

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If your child is experiencing bullying...

When you discover your child is being bullied, you may feel a variety of emotions, from anger to fear to sadness. These reactions and emotional responses are natural for parents who want their child to feel valued, protected, and loved. To become an effective advocate for your child, it is important to acknowledge your emotions and then focus on developing an action plan to help your child.

1. Talk with your child.

When you first talk with your child about bullying, be prepared to listen without judgment, and provide a safe and supportive place where your child can work out his or her feelings. Children may not be ready to open up right away as they, too, are dealing with the emotional effects of bullying and may be feeling insecure, frightened, vulnerable, angry, or sad. When your child begins to tell their story, just listen and avoid making judgmental comments. It's important to learn as much as possible about the situation, such as how long the behavior has been happening, who has been involved, and what steps have been taken. Encourage your child to talk, and let them know they are not alone and you are there to help.
Make sure your child knows:

1. It is NOT their fault. They are not to blame.

2. They are NOT alone. You are here to help.

3. It is the adults' responsibility make the bullying stop.

4. Bullying is never okay and they have the right to be safe.

5. No one deserves to be bullied.

6. They deserve to be treated with respect.

7. They have the right to feel safe at school.

Other Resources

How to Tell an Adult When youth see bullying or are being bullied, they are often given the advice, "Tell an adult." That is great advice, but how do kids do that? You can help them!

Talk to Your Child About Bullying This resource helps parents prepare themselves to talk with their child about bullying and includes tips on how to respond to their child's questions and emotions.

Safety in the Online Community: A conversation with your 13-year-old about Facebook and Instagram This guide helps parents talk with their teens about using the popular social networking sites Facebook and Instagram. It covers setting up a new account, safety tips, and frequently asked questions. This guide is accompanied by discussion points for talking with your child and steps for responding to harassing content.

Reasons Teens Don't Tell This page provides reasons why teens may not tell a parent or an adult about a bullying situation.

Advice Gone Wrong When talking about bullying, it's important for parents to give good advice and provide solutions that work. This page shares examples of advice that adults should avoid giving to teens.

Speaking Up About Being Bullied Isn't "Tattling - and Our Kids Need to Know the Difference Younger children often don't recognize bullying behaviors, and may be afraid they'll be called a tattletale, or worse, if they tell an adult. It's especially important to talk openly with your young child about bullying behavior, and to explain the difference between tattling and telling.

5 Steps For Talking About Bullying With Your Child | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Ep. 14

2. Support and empower your child.

After hearing your child's story, empower them to create an action plan to help stop the bullying. Talk with your child about ways you can support them as well as intervention strategies they can use, such as working with the school or advocating on their own. Creating a plan that works with your child's strengths and abilities can help build self-confidence and resilience. Make sure to share these agreed-upon strategies with those involved in your child's life, such as teachers, coaches, and other adults who interact with your child on a daily basis.

Reactions to Avoid

1. Telling your child to stand up to the bully. This can imply that it is your child's responsibility to handle the situation. While there is a ring of truth to this statement (being assertive is often a good response) sending your child back into the situation without further information will probably cause more harm. A more effective response is to brainstorm options with your child about what you can do as a team to respond to the situation.

2. Telling your child to ignore the bully. This is easier said than done. Your child has probably tried ignoring the situation, which is a typical response for children. If that method had been effective, however, there wouldn't be a need for the child to seek your help. It is difficult to ignore someone who is sitting behind you on the bus or next to you in class. In addition, if the student who is bullying realizes that their target is purposefully "ignoring" them, it can actually ignite further bullying, since that response provides the sense of power and control the student seeks.

3. Taking matters into your own hands. A normal gut response from parents is to try to fix the situation and remove their child from harm. For example, a parent might call the parents of the student who is bullying, or directly confront the bully. Remember, when children tell a parent about bullying, they are looking for the parent to guide them to a solution that makes them feel empowered. Involve them in the process of determining next steps. Typically, calling the other parent or directly confronting the bullying student is ineffective.

Other resources:
Reasons Students Don't Tell an Adult | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Ep. 12

3. Learn your rights.

Check your state's legislation on bullying. Each state has different laws and policies on bullying, along with requirements on how schools should respond. Visit StopBullying.gov to find out the laws your state has put in place. Also, check your state's Department of Education website for a state Safe Schools Office, which can be a great local resource to learn more about your state and school's policy. You may also want to look up your child's school's policy on bullying.

4. Think through who else should be involved.

In addition to being supportive and empowering your child to write down a plan, it can be very helpful to document the steps that you plan to take or have already implemented. Written records provide a history of incidences and responses, which can be very helpful when addressing the issue with school administrators or law enforcement. You should also create a strategy for how to involve others that can help your child. This might include determining who you will contact at school, what you plan to ask them, and how you will be involved. Other options include contacting a school counselor or other health professionals for advice. If the situation doesn't change, your plan might include steps to contact local law enforcement or legal counsel.
Other resources:

Record Keeping and Bullying When a child is a target of bullying, parents need to document the events and develop a record (or history) of what is happening to their child. This record is useful when talking with school educators, law enforcement personnel, or other individuals who may need to assist parents in intervening against bullying. Data is important. Remember - if it is not in writing, it does not exist.

5. Get involved in the community.

Bullying touches many lives and it might be happening to others in your child's school or community. You can help by raising awareness through community events, attending workshops or trainings in your community, or sharing information with others.
Opportunities include:
When Your Child Experiences Bullying: Part 1 | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 2, Episode 14

The first of two videos on what to do if your child experiences bullying. When you discover that your child is being bullied, there are two equally important and parallel steps: (1) supporting your child and (2) working with the school. In this video, we are sharing ideas to be supportive and develop an action plan with your child.

When Your Child Experiences Bullying: Part 2 | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 2, Episode 15

This week on PACERTalks About Bullying, we are thrilled to be releasing part two on what to do if your child experiences bullying. Last week, in part one, we shared steps on how to support your child. Today, we are sharing tips for working with the school to help ensure your child is safe and supported. Stay tuned next week for a new episode!

If your child with disabilities is experiencing bullying...

1. Prevalence

Studies have found that children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their nondisabled peers. Parents, educators, and other adults are the most important advocate that a student with disabilities can have and they play an important role in these bullying situations.
Students with Disabilities and Bullying: Top five things for parents, educators and students to know Bullying and Disability Harassment in the Workplace: What Youth Should Know Bullying doesn't just happen at school - it can also happen at work. Help your teen learn what to do if they're being bullied in their workplace. This handout provides an overview of important facts about students with disabilities and bullying for parents, educators, and students. Learn more about laws and policy > > >
2. Laws and Policy

As a parent of a student with disabilities, it's important to know about the federal laws and resources specifically designed for your child's situation. Parents have legal rights when their child with a disability is the target of bullying or harassment related to their disability. According to a 2000 Dear Colleague Letter from the Office of Civil Rights, "States and school districts also have a responsibility...to ensure that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is made available to eligible students with disabilities. Disability harassment may result in a denial of FAPE under these statutes." Under these federal laws, schools are required to respond to harassment or bullying of a student with a disability. The school must provide immediate and appropriate action to investigate, communicate with targeted students regarding steps to end harassment, eliminate any hostile environment, and prevent harassment from recurring. If the school is not taking necessary action, parents may consider filing a formal grievance with the Office of Civil Rights.
Students with disabilities who are eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which can be a helpful tool in a bullying prevention plan. This handout provides more information on the IEP and bullying.
3. IEP and Bullying
This is a program designed to train students to speak out on behalf of other students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It is a unique approach that empowers students to protect those targeted by bullying and to provide social inclusion opportunities. Helpful Resources for Students with Disabilities Books, videos, and stories are powerful ways to share messages of inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. We've compiled a variety of resources that you can share with your classroom and follow up with thoughtful group discussion.
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be a helpful tool in developing a bullying prevention plan for students with disabilities. Remember, every child receiving special education is entitled to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE), and bullying can sometimes become an obstacle to receiving that education. The IEP team, which includes the parent, can identify strategies that can be written into the IEP to help stop bullying. When appropriate, it may be helpful to involve the child in this decision-making process.

4. More Ideas

PACER's Peer Advocacy Project | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 23

Get a behind the scenes look at the inspiration for the peer advocacy project, which connects students with and without disabilities.

If your child shows bullying behavior...
What If Your Child IS the Bully? Could your child be bullying others? Would you know? Once you found out, would you know what to do? Here is some information that can help.
1. Talk with your child.
What Do You Do if Your Child Bullies? Seeing your child as the victim of bullying behavior can be heartbreaking. But so can witnessing your child bullying another. So what do you do?
Many parents are surprised to learn that their child is showing bullying behavior. Often, they have no idea that their child is exhibiting these behaviors. If you find out your child is bullying, it's important to know that bullying is a behavior and that behavior can be changed. Students bully for many reasons, including peer pressure or being bullied themselves. Your child may not realize how much they are harming someone, what impact their actions are having on another child, or they may not label their behavior as bullying.

The first step is to talk with your child about why they are bullying. This conversation should allow your child to explore how they may be feeling, to speak up if they are being bullied by someone else, and to talk about other factors that may be leading to this behavior.

2. Try to understand your child's feelings and show that you hear what they are telling you.
More resources
Help your child understand how others feel when they are bullied and let them know that everyone's feelings matter. Role playing can be helpful to teach your child different ways of handling situations, along with helping them understand how their behavior is impacting someone else.

What are strategies to redirect bullying behavior. With adult guidance, redirecting bullying behavior toward an understanding of differences, as well as the practices of kindness and inclusion, are good strategies for reshaping a child's behavior.

3. Be realistic. It takes time to change behavior.

Be patient with your child as they learn new ways of handling feelings and conflict. Provide praise and recognition when your child handles conflict well or finds a positive way to deal with their feelings. This type of positive reinforcement goes a long way!

Parents of Elementary School Students
Visit PACER's Kids Against Bullying website with your child and check out the following page:

Parents of Middle and High School Students
If your teen is demonstrating bullying behavior, encourage them to visit PACER's Teens Against Bullying and check out the page Do you bully.

Ask Us: What Motivates Someone to Bully? | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 2, Episode 20

A question from Chloe, a high school student, who wants to know what motivates students to bully.

What You Can Do If Your Child is Showing Bullying Behavior | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Ep. 11

If Your Child Witnesses Bullying Behavior...

1. Let your child know how powerful they are.

Nearly 60 percent of bullying situations end when a peer intervenes, giving students an important role in bullying prevention. However, many students are unsure how to take the first step. As a parent, it's important to have the discussion with kids and teens about the power they have to help others.

2. Tell them not to join in.

The simplest action parents can guide their children to take is not to join in the bullying. This sends the message that they don't agree with what's happening and takes attention away from the person bullying. Your child can also help by telling an adult about the bullying, since the student who is being bullied might not be able to do it themselves. When discussing this action with your child, it is important to emphasize the difference between telling and tattling. Telling is done to protect yourself or another student from getting hurt, whereas tattling is done to purposely get someone in trouble.

3. Encourage them to show support for the bullied student.
More resources
Finally, one of the most effective steps you can encourage your child to take is to show support for the student being bullied. Ask your child how they would feel if they were being bullied, and how they would want someone to support them. They can show support by talking to the student being bullied, telling them that what happened wasn't okay, or inviting the student to join them in an activity. There are many effective options, so encourage your child to do what feels right for them.

What else can your child do to support a target of bullying?

Spend time with the students who are bullied.

Try to get students who are bullied away from the situation.

Listen to the students who are bullied and let them talk about it.

Tell the student that no one deserves to be bullied.

If the child feels comfortable, tell a trusted adult.

Never encourage or contribute to the bullying.

For more information on the power of bystanders and more ideas for how to be supportive, view the handout, What Youth Can Do to Help Peers Who Are Experiencing Bullying.

Parents of Elementary School Students
Visit PACER's Kids Against Bullying website with your child and check out the following pages:

How You Can Help - Videos These videos show your child how they can prevent bullying and support those who are being bullied.

Parents of Middle and High School Students
If your teen witnesses bullying, encourage them to visit PACER's Teens Against Bullying website and check out the following pages:

What's Inclusion and Why Does It Matter? | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 26

Learn how inclusion is defined and ways that we can all demonstrate it in our school and community.

Reasons Students Might Not Report Bullying - Student Response | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Ep. 13

Ways to Support a Peer - 60 Second Response | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Ep. 15

Developing a Student Action Plan

As a parent looking for solutions, it's important not only to be informed, but also to have a plan. Whether your child is being bullied, witnessing bullying, or bullying others, you can help them create a plan to change their situation.

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center offers the Student Action Plan a free, downloadable plan that can be used to help your child think through their situation, to talk through how they think it could be different, and to identify the steps needed to make it happen.

Examples of Self Advocacy | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 25

In this video, Jody, director of PACER's Parent Training and Information Center, shares a creative, real-life example to help visualize what self-advocacy using the "Student Action Plan" can look like in action.

Elementary School
These visually friendly, age-appropriate guides provide helpful information on bullying to early learners:

Middle and High School
Are You Being Bullied? Quiz Bullying can happen to anyone and it's not always easy to recognize. This quiz helps teens recognize what bullying is and if it might be happening to them.

Middle and High School Students - Bullying 101: Guide for Middle and High School Students A visual, age-appropriate 14-page guide with easy-to-understand information. The guide provides the basics for talking with teens about what bullying is and isn't, the roles of those involved, and tips on what teens can do to address bullying situations.

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When you discover your child is being bullied, you may feel a variety of emotions, from anger to fear to sadness. These reactions and emotional responses are natural for parents who want their child to feel valued, protected, and loved.

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My Child is Being Bullied | Bullying Resources for Parents

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Is your child being bullied? STOMP Out Bullying information and resources for parents of children being bullied.

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11 Daily Routine Checklists For Kids (Free Printable)

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These cute downloadable pdf kid’s responsibility checklists include a chore list you can customize. Frame it to use as a student daily routine chore chart.

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The Volo Kids Foundation offers free youth sports programs (soccer, football, basketball, etc.) across various D.C. locations. These programs are open to children of all skill levels and focus on promoting physical activity and community engagement.

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Volo Kids Foundation | Unlocking The Power of Play

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Play for free or register to volunteer with Volo Kids D.C.! All programs include a player shit, coaches, equipment, post-program snack, and so much more!

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Camp Free2Be is a summer day camp designed for trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse youth ages 6-14 in the DMV area.

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Camp Free2Be is a summer day camp designed for trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse youth ages 6-14 in the DMV area.

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Students age 6-18 enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to participate in Kung Fu, Lion & Dragon Dance, African Drumming, Field Trips, and Mandarin Language classes.

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Free Summer Camp | HUNG TAO CHOY MEI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

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Kesem is a nonprofit organization that provides support to children who have been impacted by a parent's cancer.

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Free, fun support for kids whose parents have cancer | Kesem

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Kesem supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free camp, other fun-filled programs, and community, and provides resources for parents.

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camp forget me not/camp erin dc

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Thank you for your interest in the Wendt Center's Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC, a camp program dedicated to providing fun, supportive opportunities to young people to explore feelings, thoughts and life changes since the death of their loved one. We are incredibly excited to once again offer a day camp experience this summer.
Applications for campers and volunteers are now available.
This web page hosts a multi-part application form that includes registration information, bereavement history, medical information, and other camp-related questions. The Wendt Center remains fully committed to the health of our volunteers, staff, and community and are mindfully making decisions that follow Covid safe precautions and protocols.

Camp Culture: We at Camp Forget Me Not/Camp Erin DC strive for a camp environment that cultivates kindness, compassion, respect, and inclusivity in an intentional and affirming way. Our camp programming is committed to fostering grief exploration, social skills, courage, and understanding in a healing and supportive space. We invite our camp community to preserve a safe and supportive environment that treats all people with dignity and thoughtful regard.

Camp Dates: This year, we will hold (3) one day, day camps for different age groups this summer at Capitol Hill Day School/Farren's Stable (218 D St, SE, Washington, DC). Camp programming will take place indoors and outdoors. There is no registration fee for camp. Applications are now available to new and returning campers.

SESSION I: (ages 6-9 years old) - June 24, 2023 from 9:00am-6:30pm
SESSION II: (ages 10-12 years old) - July 8, 2023 from 9:00am-6:30pm
SESSION III: (ages 13-17 years old) - July 22, 2023 from 9:00am-6:30pm

Transportation: Parents/guardians will be responsible to make their own arrangements for transportation of their camper to and from the campsite.

Staffing: Wendt Center staff with expertise in the grief process and specially trained volunteers, all of whom have experienced the death of a loved one, will lead the grief activities and supervise recreation and the overall camp experience. We will maintain a medical staff member on site during each of the camps to respond to any medical problems that may arise.

Covid Policy and Protocol: The Wendt Center encourages all campers and caregivers to get fully vaccinated. A fully vaccinated status not only enhances the health and safety of the Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin family of campers, caregivers, and volunteers, it also improves the health and wellness of the whole community. Camp Covid policies align with guidelines of the CDC, the American Camping Association and the Mayor's guidance for summer camps. All participants will be expected to adhere to screening and healthy practices to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission between participants while at camp.

Who Should Apply: Any child between 6-17 years old living in the metro Washington, DC area who has experienced the death of a significant individual in their life. Deaths should have occurred before March 2023. Please email camp@wendtcenter.org with any questions.

Interviews/Acceptances: Our goal is to provide a fun, rewarding and healing day camp experience for your child(ren)! Acceptance to the camp will be based on several criteria. Because we want to ensure the best possible experience for every Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC participant, each registration will be reviewed in detail and include an interview before the application process is complete. Campers' applications will be screened to determine their appropriateness for this specialized camp prior to final acceptance to camp. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; however, space is limited so apply early. Prior to camp, all caregivers of accepted campers are expected to attend a virtual caregiver training. Military families are encouraged to apply.

Returning Campers: This year, returning campers will be put on a waiting list. They will be processed on a first come first serve basis along with consideration for the changes that have occurred in their life within the last year, if a sibling is attending for the first time, and other factors decided by the clinical team and Camp Director. You will be notified after all new campers have been processed first.

For Campers:

Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC offers a uniquely fun and healing experience.

Camper Criteria

Must be between 6-17 years old

Must have experienced a death-related human loss

Must live in the Washington DC/Metropolitan area

Must be willing to participate in a virtual interview/assessment

Must be able to attend full day of camp

Must be willing to follow Covid-19 camp policies and procedures (including screening and healthy practices) to help reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission between participants

Guiding Principles

Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC is founded on the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to express his or her feelings of grief in a supportive and understanding environment. Based on this belief, the guiding principles of Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC are:

Grief is a normal process in response to the loss of a loved one

Each child has the natural capacity to heal in his or her own timeframe

The duration and intensity of grief is unique to each individual

Caring, listening and acceptance assist in the healing process

The Camp Model

For over 20 years, Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC offered a 2-night 3-day overnight bereavement camp experience to young people ages 6-17. Campers were matched with adult buddies who mentored them through the grief camp weekend. The camp model was updated to a day camp in 2020; however, the Wendt Center's commitment to providing a safe, fun, supportive environment remains steadfast.

The day camp will offer traditional camp activities. Trained volunteers will support and mentor campers throughout all activities. Volunteers are specially trained to serve as role models in the grief process and help provide companionship. The individual attention that volunteers provide to campers is what makes Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC so special. Professional licensed therapists and counselors will lead several therapeutic group sessions designed to address the age-specific needs of grieving campers. The Wendt Center believes that grief impacts the entire family system, therefore a portion of each session is dedicated to intentionally integrating caregivers and family members.

Each applicant will be virtually interviewed to assess readiness for this year's camp. This assessment will measure each child's needs related to grief and loss.

Fun Activities

Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC Campers will enjoy a full day of traditional camp activities and grief focused workshops to help them explore a variety of ways to express themselves while developing skills. All the activities are specially designed to help campers express themselves and develop bonds with others. Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC is provided free of charge. Meals and snacks will be provided during the day camp.

To Apply

Applications are available in March.

All applicants must attend a scheduled virtual interview to assess readiness and appropriateness for this type of therapeutic camp.

For Volunteers:

Thank you for your interest in our grief day camps! Volunteer applications are available below. If you have any questions, please email camp@wendtcenter.org.

Volunteer Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age

Must not have been a client of the Wendt Center after February 1, 2023

Must have experienced a death-related human loss

Must live in the Washington DC/Metropolitan area

New volunteers must be willing to participate in a virtual interview

Must be able attend a virtual volunteer training

Must commit to meeting fundraising goal

Must submit to a criminal background check, if required

Must be able to attend full day of camp

Must be willing to follow Covid-19 camp policies and procedures (including screening and healthy practices) to help reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission between participants

All volunteers must be fully vaccinated

If you have any questions or interested in volunteering, please email camp@wendtcenter.org

Camp Volunteer Fundraising Challenge

Fundraising is a part of your commitment to be being a Camp Volunteer!

We are asking you to fundraise with a goal of $350. As in the past, this enables Camp to happen and be free for all campers (60 expected campers this summer).

The Wendt Center will host 3 one-day in person Camps.

Money raised enables campers to attend Camp for free, pays for supplies, programming, reunion activities, family workshops, and gives us the opportunity to provide a meaningful experience for all.

At the height of the pandemic, volunteers still committed to fundraising enabling the Wendt Center to facilitate family camp workshops!

We appreciate your continued commitment and support of DC area's grieving children and families.

Profiles of Children who have attended camp

To help you better tell the story of campers and volunteers at past 3-day Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC, we have gathered a few mini-profiles of children and buddies who have attended:
"I was paired with a very energetic and vibrant 11-year-old girl. Her mom got sick and died when she was very young. Although the little girl was playful and fully embraced all the fun activities at camp, she struggled to deal with the grief she had for her mom. She was also learning how to build a relationship with her new stepmom. I could fully relate to her because I also lost my mom from an illness and had to become acquainted with a new woman in my dad's life."

"My little buddy last summer was a very quiet and private 13-year-old girl mourning the loss of her father, who died suddenly of a heart attack. Her parents got divorced a few years ago, but she still saw him in the afternoons as he cared for her and her siblings when they got home from school. Not only was she adjusting to not having him there every day, but she was also going to be transferring to a more challenging private school in the fall. She was still adjusting to the changes going on all around her when we met."

"A" is 7-year-old and lost her father to a homicide last year. She lives with her mother in DC. "A" is quiet, smart, and quick to laugh or lend a hand. Her buddy was Dianne who does social work in a hospice for her full time job. This was Dianne's first year at Camp but had done a similar Camp previously. Dianne lost her sister to a car accident when she was 11 and her sister was 10.

"Our group's youngest girl was Maggie, who is 6. Maggie's caretaker (her grandmother) died and she now lives with her mother and two siblings (who were also at Camp) in DC. Maggie bonded quickly with her group, both buddies and campers, and took the end of camp the hardest. Maggie's buddy was Marissa. Marissa was the youngest buddy in our group at 25 and this was her first year. Marissa is working towards her MSW so she was well prepared. Marissa lost her best friend in a car accident."

7-year old Kevin misses his older sister who died of cancer. He has also lost a grandmother, a live-in grandfather and an uncle. Kevin is a born comedian and entertained both his fellow campers and buddies with original songs, dancing, and other antics. His buddy was Sean - a first-time buddy at Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC. Sean lost his father to cancer.

Testimonials from past volunteers

I marvel at the courage of the kids coming to a camp where they don't know anybody and the focus is coping with the death of a loved one.

"I had a great time and enjoyed an impactful and emotional experience. I loved meeting my buddy and helping her open up about the loss of her mother. My small group was outstanding as was my group leader. The food was great, as was the diversity of activities offered. The art projects were wonderful, as were the confidence course, the therapy dogs, the boat memorial, and the field games. It was a great experience overall, and I plan to return again. Thank you for a wonderful experience."

"Losing my mother was a horrible thing, but as a result of your camp, I am able to build again. What I learned, who I met, children I reached, feelings I felt, the grieving I did, the lives I touched, the tears I cried, the songs I sang and the loss I overcame will always remain. That's what I will remember forever. It was truly a great experience. Thanks again!"

"Listening to these devastated children and witnessing their strength was the most meaningful part of camp for me."

"I find being at camp to be such a meaningful experience overall. I am so glad that something like camp exists for these kids. It was hard enough going through the death of a loved one as a (semi-adults when I had the words to describe my feelings and I can't imagine what it would be like as a kid. Being part of helping show the campers that grief is OK and that they will be OK is very powerful."

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin®DC Volunteer. The Wendt Center relies heavily on volunteers to make our children's grief camp a success!
Eluna Network

Eluna is a public, 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to support children and families impacted by grief or addiction. Founded in 2000 in Seattle by former MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and child advocate Karen Phelps Moyer, Eluna was originally called The Moyer Foundation and launched a series of programs supporting thousands of children and families annually at no cost to them. Camp Erin® is the largest national network of grief programs for bereaved children and teens, Camp Mariposa® is a national addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth impacted by a family member's substance use disorder, and the Eluna Resource Center offers online tools, local referrals and personalized phone and email support for families experiencing grief, addiction and other related issues. For more information, please visit elunanetwork.org.

Eluna Resources

Looking for important grief resources to help a child, friend or family member in your community or nationwide? We are proud to share the Eluna Resource Center.

Its straightforward design makes it easy to search for articles, videos, activities, and referrals to local programs. In addition, Eluna offers free personalized recommendations with a 24-hour turn-around. Email Eluna with any questions. For Eluna's COVID-19 resources, please click here.

Corporate Sponsorship

We truly appreciate the support of local, national and international businesses that have become an ally in making a difference in the lives of children in the Washington, DC area including:

Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC campers will experience a gift that will last a lifetime. If your organization is interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor or making in-kind donations, please contact Carolyn Stanek Lucy at cstaneklucy@wendtcenter.org or 202-204-5010.

Camp Erin film, "One Last Hug" Wins Emmy

Newspaper Articles and Live Broadcast

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Camp Forget-Me-Not / Camp Erin DC - Wendt Center

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Thank you for your interest in the Wendt Center's Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC, a camp program dedicated to providing fun, supportive opportunities to young people to explore feelings, thoughts and life changes since the death of their loved one. We are incredibly excited to once again offer a day camp experience this summer.

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DC Location: George Washington University

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Every day at Camp Kesem is an opportunity for campers to try something new, make great friends, and have fun!

While every Camp Kesem is different, here are some highlights from a typical day.

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Free summer camp for children coping with a parent's cancer

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Every day at Camp Kesem is an opportunity for campers to try something new, make great friends, and have fun! While every Camp Kesem is different, here are some highlights from a typical day.

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SUN Bucks is a program to help families with students buy food during the summer. Each eligible student receives $120 for the summer on an EBT card.

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DC Safe: 24/7 Crisis Support for Domestic Violence

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DC Safe: 24/7 Crisis Support for Domestic Violence

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DC SAFE is the only 24/7 crisis intervention agency for domestic violence in the Washington, DC.

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Printable Kids Morning Routine Chart | Just Family Fun

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Download our free printable kid’s morning routine chart with pictures. Cut out the pictures and create a unique routine for your kids.

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Welcome to Peace of Mind TV! This channel is a safe space for children to learn about mindfulness, conflict resolution, and social justice. The videos on this channel are based on the Peace of Mind curriculum created by Linda Ryden. The goal of Peace of Mind is to help kids face challenges in their own lives as well as challenges facing our world with kindness, compassion and courage. To learn more go to teachpeaceofmind.org. PoMTV-Kids is made possible by the generosity of our funders including: the Trust for the Mediation process, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness and contemplative prayer and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Thank you!!

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PomCast is a podcast for children and their families. Peace Teacher Linda Ryden answers questions sent in by kids and their grown ups about challenges they’re facing in their lives and in the world. Answers will focus on ways to incorporate mindfulness skills, an understanding of brain science, and conflict resolution skills all based on the renowned Peace of Mind Curriculum. Send in your questions for the Peace Teacher in an email or a voice memo to info@teachpeaceofmind.org You can watch videos of the mindfulness practices that we share here on PoMCast on our youtube channel: PoMTv-kids https://www.youtube.com/@PoMTV-kids

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Free fitness and wellness app for students that offers a wide variety of personalized classes, such as yoga, HIIT, Pilates, barre, mindfulness and meditation. School email is required for free access.

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Understanding Bullying: What It Is and What It Is Not

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Understanding Bullying: What It Is and What It Is Not

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Look for the three Ps: purpose, pattern, and power imbalance.

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Marleigh is Mindful, a kid tested guide to Mindfulness and big emotions! Written by: Linda Ryden Illustrated by: Linda Ryden and Gigi Gonyea To get your own…

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The virtual calming room created by the BEE Well team consist of emotion regulation strategies that students and families can use anywhere.

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Sway: Create and share interactive reports, presentations, personal stories, and more.

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Sway is an easy-to-use digital storytelling app for creating interactive reports, presentations, personal stories and more. Its built-in design engine helps you create professional designs in minutes. With Sway, your images, text, videos, and other multimedia all flow together in a way that enhances your story. Sway makes sure your creations look great on any screen.

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Once you and your child have found the right place in your home for their calming corner, you can decide together which items to include in the area.

Some ideas may include:

Comfort items. Whether it's a soft bath mat, blanket, pillow or beanbag, create a comfortable and cozy place to sit. Offer another comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, for them to hold.

Glitter jar. Combine clear glue, water and glitter to create a glitter jar representing how emotions can feel in our bodies (settled glitter represents calm and shaken glitter represents big emotions). When your child is feeling strong emotions, they can shake the bottle and concentrate on slowly breathing in and out as the glitter settles.

Visual reminders of feelings and coping skills. Whether it's pictures of friends and family expressing different emotions and practicing coping skills, or sticky notes with the words written on them, sometimes it helps to have a visual reminder of what your child can do in their calming corner.

Pinwheels or bubbles. Pinwheels and bubbles can be used to help your child focus on breathing in and out in a slow, relaxing way. Encourage them to inhale in through their nose and then exhale out their mouth as they blow on the pinwheel or blow bubbles.

Coloring pages. This is a great tool for kids of all ages (and adults, too). Some kids find the rhythmic motion of coloring to be soothing, and others use it as a form of self-expression.

Yoga poses or stretches. Yoga and stretching can help release tension and stress.

Stress balls. Having something to squeeze can help your child work out any tension in their body.

Play-Doh. Playing with Play-Doh can be calming for children because it allows them to shift their focus, express themselves and release tension.

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Creating a Calming Corner at Home for Kids

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Once you and your child have found the right place in your home for their calming corner, you can decide together which items to include in the area. Some ideas may include: Comfort items. Whether it's a soft bath mat, blanket, pillow or beanbag, create a comfortable and cozy place to sit.

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5 Essential Coregulation Techniques for Parents

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Learn how to support your child’s emotional regulation with coregulation techniques. Dive into our blog for valuable insights.

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A parent at the workshop recommended the book, "Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy" as a useful resource on parenting and supporting children’s emotional regulation through coregulation.

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Parenting strategies robust enough to tackle your biggest challenges, but simple enough to remember.