WARRIOR KIDS CAMP AND VIRTUAL PROGRAM
An evidence-informed program that builds resilient children and youth impacted by a parental Operational Stress Injury (OSI)
WARRIOR KIDS CAMP AND VIRTUAL PROGRAM
An evidence-informed program that builds resilient children and youth impacted by a parental Operational Stress Injury (OSI)
Upcoming Programs
VIRTUAL PROGRAM - Winter 2025
WINTER VIRTUAL PROGRAM DATES AND TIMES:
Western Canada
– Starts Monday February 3rd, 2025
– Kids 8-10 yrs: 5pm MST
– Teens 11-16yrs: 6pm MST
Eastern and Atlantic Canada
– Starts Wednesday February 5th, 2025
– Kids 8-10 yrs: 5pm EST
– Teens 11-16 yrs: 6pm EST
The Warrior Kids Program
This one-of-a-kind program combines the essential knowledge around the impact operational stress injuries can have on children and youth in families with a Veteran or First Responder parent. The Warrior Kids Camp and Virtual programs consist of two formats – a 6 week psycho-educational virtual group and a two-day in person overnight camp delivered at various locations in Canada.
The programs have been developed to support children aged 8-16.
WHY WERE THE PROGRAMS CREATED?
With emergent knowledge regarding the impact of OSIs particularly concerning Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within military members and their families, researchers have identified children and youth of first responder-connected families (i.e. fire, police, paramedic, corrections, call center dispatchers) at risk for developing mental health difficulties as a result of their parents’ occupational stressors.
Research on military and veteran children with parents impacted by an OSI or diagnosed mental health condition shows poor parental mental health and family stressors can negatively affect a child’s mental health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, first responder families require the social work profession to intervene from a family systems framework that understands the bi-directional impact of trauma leading to negative consequences of parental OSIs on their children.
The first responder population and their families deserve unique evidence-informed prevention and intervention programs that use a holistic view such as, family stress theory to understand the unique issues connected to adverse consequences of OSIs on individual first responders and the mental health and wellbeing of their children.
(Cramm et al., 2016, Carelton, Afifi, Taillieu, et al., 2019)
Understanding the Effects of Parental Psychological Injuries on Children
“I could feel genuine sadness in her (my daughter)…I’ve had a bigger impact on her than I thought I had” (Sherman et al., 2016, p. 406).
Scholars have highlighted connections of secondary traumatic stress and negative emotional and behavioral reactions in children when a parental mental health disorder exists in the family (Cramm et al., 2016; Kelly & Paul, 2018; Sherman et al., 2016)
Over 2 million American children experienced a parent’s deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq. Literature reveals the psychological effects of the service members’ operational stressors cascades through the family system to affect children and their mental health.
(Synder et al., 2016; Foran et al., 2017,Foran, Eckford, Sinclair & Wright, 2017).).
WHO CAN ATTEND WARRIOR KIDS
Children aged 8-16 whose parent is a Canadian Armed Forces member, Veteran or First Responder (firefighter, paramedic, emergency dispatcher, correctional services worker, municipal police officer, or member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) can participate.
How does Warrior Kids Programs Make a Difference?
We know that change in one family member, such as a child, affects every other family member. Decades of research in areas of family functioning and traumatic stress suggest experiences of each family member can flow throughout the family system and family-centered approaches to interventions offer positive opportunities to promote mental well-being (Cramm et al., 2016; Sullivan, 2015; Wadsworth et al., 2012).
“I really loved that my children were with other children that are/have experienced a parent with OSI. “
“ The games and beach/lake time was what they loved. They got the most impact from the workbook time and talking about OSI’s listening to other kids stories. “
The message that stuck with them was “this not your fault”
” I liked being able to discuss coping methods/strategies with others, and being able to share my experiences with others “
What does warrior kids teach?
1. Knowing They Are Not Alone
Kids increase a sense of belonging with peers who are from first-responder and military/veteran families with a parental OSI. When children and youth share feelings, thoughts and perceptions around common adversities and problems such as having a parent with an OSI not be able to participate at school or sports events children and families are provided with an opportunity to normalize their distress which can lead to reducing blame on to the parent
2. Building Coping Tools Using The Power of Play
Increasing children’s knowledge around mental health and OSIs and participating in activities related to stress and coping strategies (painting to music, clay, yoga, animal and nature and many more!) strengthens the child and family’s outlook that positive well-being can be attained and within their power.
3. Increase Knowledge Around Operational Stress Injuries
A primary goal of the Warrior Kids programs is to build clear communication around parental OSIs. This topic is explored with participants using the language of visible (i.e. broken leg) and invisible injuries (i.e. psychological hurts).
The Warrior Kids Programs support open emotional expression and clear communication around ambiguous situations connected to living with a parent impacted by an psychological injury to help families thrive. Warrior Kids programs provide opportunities for children and youth to increase knowledge on where our emotions come from and ways can we step into a coping strategy to help with mediating difficult feelings including anxiety, stress and worry.
Meet the Camp Directors
DR. HELENA HAWRYLUK RSW, PhD
WARRIOR KIDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE CLINICIAN
Helena completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Concordia University, a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Calgary, followed by her Master of Clinical Social Work and PhD with the Faculty of Social Work at University of Calgary. She has practiced as a social worker for over 15 years with families of the Canadian Armed Forces and Public Safety Personnel. Helena was awarded the Wounded Warriors Doctoral Scholarship for her research entitled “Through our Eyes”, showcasing the unique perspectives and needs of youth in military families impacted by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, post-Afghanistan war.
Helena and Jerris have been working with families of Veterans and First-Responders within Canada as clinicians, researchers and more importantly disrupters for change around designing evidence-based high quality programs for young people within the community of Trauma Exposed Professionals. Warrior Kids was designed to support youth who are living with a loved one impacted by the unique exposure to operational stress. Building healthy families starts with kids, as opposed to ends with kids. Warrior Kids is a one-of-a-kind mental health program supporting resilience in the unique lives of public safety families. As directors of the Warrior Kids Program they are honored to lead the team of camp facilitators and camp counsellors across Canada to support the youth in families impacted by operational stress injuries.
JERRIS POPIK MSW, RSW
WARRIOR KIDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE CLINICIAN
Jerris Popik, received an applied psychology degree from Concordia University and a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Calgary. She has practiced as a social worker for over 15 years with families of the Canadian Armed Forces and Public Safety Personnel.
Helena and Jerris have been working with families of Veterans and First-Responders within Canada as clinicians, researchers and more importantly disrupters for change around designing evidence-based high quality programs for young people within the community of Trauma Exposed Professionals. Warrior Kids was designed to support youth who are living with a loved one impacted by the unique exposure to operational stress. Building healthy families starts with kids, as opposed to ends with kids. Warrior Kids is a one-of-a-kind mental health program supporting resilience in the unique lives of public safety families. As directors of the Warrior Kids Program they are honored to lead the team of camp facilitators and camp counsellors across Canada to support the youth in families impacted by operational stress injuries.
Meet the Camp Team
Thomas Giavedoni, National Camp Counsellor Team Lead
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario the seventh of eight children. Started training in martial arts at the age of 14 and continued for 13 years. Went to school for general carpentry after highschool and started working with my dad doing home renovations. At 25 I opened a martial arts studio with one of my brothers after teaching for 7 years. 3 years later I decided to enter into the army so I sold my portion of the school, stopped doing renovations and joined the Canadian Armed Forces.
After my 9 months of training I was posted to Edmonton Garrison where I have been since December 2021.
Sara Jean, National Camp Facilitator
Sara Jean is born and raised in Southern Ontario, and calls the small village of Tobermory on the shores of Lake Huron home. Growing up in the Great Lakes area, Sara Jean has a passion for the outdoors, which she gets to live out daily working for the Parks Canada Agency. Her love for outdoor learning drove her to obtain a Bachelor’s of Education in 2022 and she hopes to continue to fuse her two passions together. Her favourite meal is fresh fish or a burrito when she’s in the city and she considers herself an amateur historian.
Brooklyn Hull, National Camp Facilitator
Brooklyn is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a Certified Music Therapist.
She has been a part of Wounded Warriors Canada since 2021 as both a Camp Counsellor/Facilitator while also leading Music Therapy sessions for children and youth both at camp and online during the virtual program. Brooklyn has worked with people all across the lifespan from babies to century old folks, working with neurodivergent individuals and groups, behavioral issues, grief, trauma, anxiety and depression. Brooklyn has been a caregiver to several families and children over the years and she has a passion for working with children and youth. She believes that when children feel safe and understood, they are most driven and empowered. Brooklyn is very playful and kind and encourages others to tap into their creativity as a way to build confidence, self-expression, and find passion. Brooklyn is a vocalist, and loves to sing and play the guitar. Music in all of its forms has been a gift and a tool for Brooklyn throughout her life, and she loves to share that gift with others. In her free time, Brooklyn spends her time outdoors finding new places to hike, trying new fitness classes, and spending time with friends.
Brandon Bodker, National Camp Facilitator
Brandon Bodker is in his final year at the University of Alberta where he is completing a Bachelor of Education Degree. While going to school, Brandon works for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings where he co-leads the Game Changers Program; a brand new program for boys who are waitlisted to be paired with big brothers. He also works for McMan Youth Services in their group homes as a Youth Worker. Brandon has previously led summer skateboarding camps at the YMCA for youth aged 6-12 years old and was a caseworker for the National Youth Transition Program where he had a caseload of 25 youths ranging in ages from 13-21. He has had a diverse set of experiences and not always a linear educational path – however, this is what makes Brandon relatable to the groups of youth he works and makes connections with. He prides himself as being an open-minded, empathetic person who values the importance of being intentional in understanding and listening to others. He loves people and learning about their various backgrounds and lived experiences. Outside of youth work, Brandon spends his free time skateboarding, snowboarding, working out, hunting, and anything else that gets him outdoors.
Molly Brierley, National Camp Facilitator
Molly Brierley is a dedicated and compassionate facilitator with extensive experience in child and youth care settings and a passion for supporting children and youth with diverse emotional needs. Having worked in both professional and volunteer capacities, Molly has honed her skills in providing social-emotional mentoring and respite care for children and youth.
With five camps under her belt with Warrior Kids, Molly brings a experience in creating a nurturing environment for youth whose parents face challenges related to PTSD. Her positive attitude, reliability, and strong communication skills help her to guiding children through various camp activities and helping them build new peer relationships. With a background in social work and graphic design, Molly combines creativity with empathy, ensuring every child and youth feels supported and understood. As she continues her journey in the Social Work Degree program at University of Calgary, Molly remains committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families facing unique circumstances.
