Children (3-9) and Family Programming
Children and Family Programs
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Free and unlimited programs
Ted E. Bear Hollow facilitates peer support by creating a space for “kids to be kids” through a variety of methods including: play, music, art, and reflective sharing. Because grief is a beneficial reaction to death, it is not, in and of itself, a problem to be “fixed,” but rather a new reality to learn to live with. Our hope is that participants feel safe to share their story and to find support from others who are grieving. Our groups are formed based on age and/or developmental level. Every group is different, but generally the younger groups spend more time expressing themselves through activity and play. On this page, you will find our children (age 3-9) and family program offerings. Rest assured that if you have children who fall into multiple programs based on their ages, you’ll all be attending the same support groups at the same place and time.
All of the following programs are free and unlimited, and our vision is to make them as accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you require any special accommodations.
8-Session Family Support Groups
Our 8-Session Support Groups are a great choice for families who are ready to dive a little deeper and make a bigger time and attendance commitment. In this curriculum-based program, the same families attend for all 8 sessions as they progress through a series of grief-related topics. Having the same people in your group fosters trust and comfort which promotes more significant progress and better outcomes. Youth and adults work with trained facilitators in separate age/developmentally-scaled small groups aside from our full-group opening and closings.
When: 8-session family bereavement groups run 4 times per year, alternating between Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Click the register button below to see the next starting date.
Where: In-person at 7811 Farnam Drive, Omaha, NE 68114
Time: approximately 6:15pm-7:45pm for 8 weeks
Open to youth ages 3-18 and their adult caregiver(s).
Self-Care Saturdays
Self-Care Saturdays are a special time for individuals and-or families to rest, recharge, and regroup in person at our center on 78th and Farnam Street in Omaha. Each month we’ll enjoy a different topic, special guest, or fun activity designed to fill our buckets and recharge our batteries. We are excited to carve out this much needed time and can’t wait to see you there. Please register in advance to ensure we have enough staff and supplies.
When: In-person 10am-Noon CST
Once per month on a Saturday. Click register button below for monthly date and theme which include Games, Yoga, Journaling, Art, Meditation, Hiking, Drumming, Baking, and More!
Where: 7811 Farnam Drive, Omaha, NE
Open to youth ages 3-18 and their adult caregiver(s). Note: some activities are best for those age 5+
Family Day Camps
Family Day Camps are filled with crafts and activities selected to honor and remember special people who have died. During this program, children participate alongside their other family members and friends rather than being divided into their own age group. Camps are fun and light-hearted with seasonal themes. Check back for upcoming events! Advanced registration is required.
Open to youth ages 3-18 and their adult caregiver(s).
Summer Support Group with Band of the Strong
The Collective for Hope is teaming up with Band of the Strong to host a four-evening summer session running in June.
We will gather from 6-7:30pm to share stories and commune through music, writing, and visual art. Throughout the four-week session you and your family will get opportunities to individually, as a family, and collectively create works of writing and art that will tell the stories of your travels through grief.
2024 Dates TBD
Where: 7811 Farnam St. Omaha
Open to youth ages 3-18 and their adult caregiver(s).
Tinsel & Tears
The hustle and bustle of holidays can be especially challenging for people who are grieving. Tinsel & Tears is an opportunity to carve out dedicated time and space to remember loved ones and to make new holiday memories, while honoring the old. These day camps are filled with festive music, crafts, and activities. Whole families and-or groups of friends sign up and participate together alongside other participants and volunteers. There are plenty keepsakes and snacks to take home!
Join us December 2nd or 3rd 2023 in-person OR register to pick up a take-home kit.
Open to youth ages 3-18 and their attending caregiver(s)/extended family & friends.
Grief gifts,
Care Packages
Resource Kits, Library Bags & More
“Ted E. Bear Hollow has helped me a lot, and I wouldn’t be as happy and as confident as I am now.”
Kaari – Grieving the death of Adam, father
“Ted E. Bear Hollow taught be that it’s okay to be sad and that I’m not alone.”
Neely – Grieving the death of Dillon, uncle