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)
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.
Upcoming Programs
CAMP- Kelowna, Green Bay Camp May 27 & 28 2023
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 is a two-day in person overnight camp delivered at various locations in Canada.
Kids Groups Galaxy Defenders- ages 8-10 years old, Teens Group Global Guardians – Ages 11-16 years old
The British Columbia Warrior Kids camp is located in Kelowna, BC and hosted at the beautiful Greenbay Camp address is 1449 Green Bay Rd, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2B9. Please visit their website https://greenbay.bc.ca/ to get acquainted with the fantastic camp facilities and waterfront location.
Camp Overview
Day One Saturday May 27
- Camper Drop Off Saturday May 27 Greenbay Camp – 9 am
- Camp Begins! 9:30 am
- Super Hero Challenges – Mindmazing! and Understanding about Operational Stress Injuries
- Lunch
- Horse Ranch – Kyra Londos Animal Therapy Field Trip
- Swimming and Volleyball back at Greenbay Camp
- Supper
- Wide Game and Camp Fire
- Movie and Bedtime
Day Two Sunday May 28
- Stress Buster Challenges – Painting to Music, Yoga and Inner Coach
- Closing Wide Game Activity
- Closing Ceremony 1:30pm Sharp- All Parents are invited to join in this closing celebration!
- Camp Officially Ends 2:00pm
We will be sending out a packing list soon!!
- For information on camp facilities please visit: https://www.greenbay.bc.ca/
CAMP- Orangeville, ON Teen Ranch - June 10th and 11th, 2023
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 is a two-day in person overnight camp delivered at various locations in Canada.
Kids Groups Galaxy Defenders- ages 8-10 years old, Teens Group Global Guardians – Ages 11-16 years old
The Ontario Warrior Kids camp is located in Orangeville, Ontario and hosted at the beautiful Teen Ranch 20682 Hurontario St, Town Of Caledon, ON L7K 1X1. Please visit their website teenranch.com to get acquainted with the fantastic camp facilities and location.
Camp Overview
Day One Saturday June 10
- Camper Drop Off Saturday June 10 Teen Ranch- 9:00 am
- Camp Begins! 9:30am
- Superhero Challenges – Mindmazing! and Understanding about Operational Stress Injuries
- Lunch
- Horse Trail Ride
- Inflatable Obstacle Course fun at Sports Field
- Supper
- Wide Game and Camp Fire and Hot dog Roast
- Movie and Bedtime
Day Two Sunday June 11
-
- Stress Buster Challenges – Painting to Music, Music and Emotions and Positive Affirmation Rocks
- Closing Ceremony 1:00 pm Sharp- All Parents are invited to join in this closing celebration!
- Camp Officially Ends 1:30pm
For information on camp facilities please visit: https://teenranch.com/
CAMP- Edmonton AB, August 1st and 2nd, 2023
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 is a two-day in person overnight camp delivered at various locations in Canada.
Kids Groups Galaxy Defenders- ages 8-10 years old, Teens Group Global Guardians – Ages 11-16 years old
The Alberta Warrior Kids camp is located near Edmonton, AB and hosted at the beautiful Van Es Camp and Conference Center, 51244 Range Rd 220, Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1G9. Please visit their website vanes.ca to get acquainted with the fantastic camp facilities and location.
Camp Overview
Day One Tuesday August 1
- Camper Drop Off Tuesday August 1 9:00 am Camp Van Es
- Camp Begins! 9:30 am
- Superhero Challenges – Mindmazing! and Understanding about Operational Stress Injuries
- Lunch
- Field Trip Dreamcatcher Animal Therapy Ranch
- Swimming back at Camp Van Es
- Supper
- Wide Game and Camp Fire and Outdoor Games
- Movie and Bedtime
Day Two Wednesday August 2
-
- Stress Buster Challenges – Painting to Music, Yoga and Positive Affirmation Rocks
- Closing Ceremony 1:30 pm Sharp- All Parents are invited to join in this closing celebration!
- Camp Officially Ends 2:00pm
CAMP- Edmonton AB, October 7 & 8, 2023
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 is a two-day in person overnight camp delivered at various locations in Canada.
Kids Groups Galaxy Defenders- ages 8-10 years old, Teens Group Global Guardians – Ages 11-16 years old
The Alberta Warrior Kids camp is located near Edmonton, AB and hosted at the beautiful Van Es Camp and Conference Center, 51244 Range Rd 220, Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1G9. Please visit their website vanes.ca to get acquainted with the fantastic camp facilities and location.
Camp Overview
Day One Saturday October 7
- Camper Drop Off Saturday October 7 9:00 am Camp Van Es
- Camp Begins! 9:30 am
- Superhero Challenges – Mindmazing! and Understanding about Operational Stress Injuries
- Lunch
- Field Trip Dreamcatcher Animal Therapy Ranch
- Swimming back at Camp Van Es
- Supper
- Wide Game and Camp Fire and Outdoor Games
- Movie and Bedtime
Day Two Sunday October 8
- Stress Buster Challenges – Painting to Music, Yoga and Positive Affirmation Rocks
- Closing Ceremony 1:00 pm Sharp- All Parents are invited to join in this closing celebration!
- Camp Officially Ends 1:30 pm
VIRTUAL CAMP - Starting October, 2023
The Warrior Kids program provides clear, age-appropriate communication around parental operational stress injuries for kids aged 8-16 years old. The program helps kids build a coping toolkit with creative strategies such as music, art and connecting with peers.
Kids Groups Galaxy Defenders- ages 8-10 years old, Teens Group Global Guardians – Ages 11-16 years old
VIRTUAL CAMP DATES AND TIMES:
Western Canada
– Mondays – Starting October 16 – Nov 27
– Kids 8-10yr 5-6 pm MST
– Teens 11-16 yrs 6-7 pm MST
Eastern and Atlantic Canada
– Tuesdays – starting October 17 – Nov 28
– Kids 8-10 yrs 5-6 pm EST
– Teens 11-16 yrs 6-7 pm EST.
Steps in Registering your child/teen:
- Fill out registration information on warriorkids.ca
- Watch your inbox for an email from warriorkidsinfo@gmail.com
- In this email you will be asked to complete a google form for EACH CHILD YOU WANT REGISTERED.
- If you are travelling from outside the camp area, each location will have a discounted hotel group booking code available for a hotel within a 20-25 minute drive from each camp location. Hotel costs are not included in the camp spot and are at the responsibility of each family.
- A second email will be sent after you complete your Google Registration forms that will ask you to book an individual one on one telephone intake call (with one or both parents) to discuss the program, go over all the camp details and answer any questions you may have.
- Getting Ready for Camp Email – will be sent a week priot to camp that will outline drop off and pick up times, and a what to pack list.
Any questions about camp or registration please contact Warrior Kids Program Director Jerris Popik at jerris@woundedwarriors.ca