Children’s Resiliency Retreat Program Enters its 7th Year!

We are excited to enter our seventh year of the BGCSV’s Children’s Resiliency Retreat Program. This program provides support to children and youth in grades one through twelve who have been impacted by a loved one’s substance use disorder, also known as the disease of addiction. The Retreat is typically held on the second Saturday of each month. It is a full day of educational opportunities designed to build healthy relationships with peers and adults and connect kids with their community in a safe, equitable environment. The program is grounded in the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework and is free to participants. Each Retreat is a full day (8:15 – 3:00 pm) held monthly from September to June. The day is filled with a mix of group activities divided by age. Each month has a theme that runs through the day's activities focused on creating positive relationships, developing trust, and how to experience their feelings in healthy ways. For example, in September, we took a trip to Salisbury Beach to engage in Serenity, and the day was filled with jumping waves, playing in the sand, and flying kites.

In October, the theme is Feelings and Healings, November is Gratitude, and December is Hope and Belonging. The kids develop support networks among each other and the adult mentors and quickly learn they are not alone. In addition to the educational opportunities, the extra-curricular activities include learning how to cook, therapeutic art activities, nature and adventure-based learning, music therapy, leadership, and community service projects. Some kids have been with the program since its inception in January 2018 and become Junior Mentors. In addition to being an amazing program for the kids, it offers a very nice respite for the parents/caregivers/guardians. If you or someone you know has a child that has been impacted by a loved ones’ substance use disorder, and would like more information about the Retreat program, contact Monica Gallant at 603-672-1002 ext. 123 or email mgallant@svbgc.org. There is no cost to attend however, there is a registration process that must be completed. Children do not need to be a Club member to attend.