FORT FRANCES—The Atikokan Crisis Centre successfully hosted its first winter camp during the March Break last week for children who have been exposed to abuse in the home and their mothers.
The four-day event, held at Brown’s Clearwater West Lodge, offered plenty of fun and games, as well as therapeutic sessions to help deal with issues surrounding witnessing violence.
“I thought it went very well,” said camp co-ordinator Sabrina DeGagne. “I think it met the expectations of the families. They really enjoyed it.
“It was a good break for their children and themselves.”
She noted the mothers felt the children certainly benefited from participating in the camp and the program.
The therapeutic program presented to youth and children is originally a 12-week program, but was condensed by workers at the Atikokan Crisis Centre in order to be able to offer it at events such as the winter camp.
Such topics as responsibility, positive problem-solving, feelings awareness, and safety planning were discussed.
“We work with them from the start to the finish,” DeGagne noted, adding the program is age appropriate. “But we’re all doing the same thing—even the moms.”
Donna Kroocmo, executive director of the Atikokan Crisis Centre, explained there are group guidelines and trained facilitators to help create a safe and secure environment for the children and youths to be able to share their experiences.
She added the enhancement of self-esteem is ongoing throughout the days at camp.
“We serve such a large district, it was nice to have the camp to bring everyone together instead of being spread out all over,” DeGagne said, noting the 50 participants included families from across the region.
She added some of the highlights were the game night, where they had a Nintendo Wii, a Playstation, X-Box, and Game Cube available to use, while the moms played Bingo.
There also was an evening with the Black Light Youth Theatre Group of Thunder Bay, who performed. And the families also participated in outdoor activities such as sliding and snow painting.
“We had beautiful weather and were able to spend a lot of time outside,” DeGagne remarked.
The winter camp was provided free of charge, including meals, supplies, accommodations, and transportation.
“It is intense because it’s a 12-week program condensed to four days. That’s a lot of information for anyone,” DeGagne admitted.
“But at the same time, if we can get two or three of our main goals to them, then it benefits them in the long run.”
The Atikokan Crisis Centre already is planning a similar event, but this time a summer camp before the kids go back to school.
It will be held Aug. 18-22 at the Best Western Nor’Wester Resort Hotel in Thunder Bay.
“It’s a great time for the kids and moms to meet other families who have similar types of problems,” DeGagne explained. “And friendships are made very quickly.”
Although there is some criteria to meet, anyone within the region with children who have witnessed violence in the home can get involved.
Those interested in participating in the summer camp can call the United Native Friendship Centre or the Atikokan Crisis Centre at 1-800-465-3348.
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
