MIDDLETOWN >> Disaster impacts all of us. It is a difficult and often unavoidable part of life. With disaster, comes the need to process and cope with trauma. Coping requires resiliency and though it may not come naturally to everyone equally, resiliency and coping skills can be learned if we make space for them. Although people often say things like “kids are resilient” the truth is that significant trauma taps their capacity for resiliency in the same way it does adults.
Over the course of the last two years, Lake County has been devastated by the Valley, Clayton and other fires. As I write this article now there are three active fires impacting Lake County, our first responders and even the air we breathe. Still, we are engaged in the work of rebuilding. As we rebuild homes and restore lives we have seen the incredible work that has been done by those determined not to be defined by these tragedies. This is helped by programs put in place to assist those who have been most affected; one of these programs particularly designed for children is Camp Noah.
Camp Noah is a nationally utilized, locally hosted event for elementary-age children whose communities have been impacted by disaster. Camp Noah provides a safe and fun environment for children to build resiliency skills and process trauma or disaster. Children are able to spend the week playing games, singing songs, and learning life-changing coping mechanisms. Campers will be provided breakfast and lunch everyday, a Camp Noah t-shirt, a Camp Noah Preparedness Backpack, and more. This is not only a safe space for children to express themselves, it is also fun! No child is charged a fee to participate in Camp Noah, however to provide the most effective experience we can only accept the first 50 to register.
As the adults of Lake County continue to come together and rebuild, those who have elementary-age children impacted by the Clayton and Valley fires are encouraged to register them for Camp Noah. It is free. It is life changing. It teaches skills and tools that extend into adulthood. Our community offered this camp in Middletown last year but could not accommodate everyone who wanted to sign up and is pleased to be able to offer it again this year. One volunteer staff member in 2016 noted, “I was able to witness the incredible work that was done to give kids a space for their story to be heard, a space where they were able to talk freely and openly about what they were experiencing. Camp Noah provides a safe and supportive setting for children to face their fears, share their losses, identify and share unique talents, and be celebrated for the special and amazing children they are!”
Camp Noah will take place at Middletown Community United Methodist Church and at the International Charter School, but it is sponsored by many community partners. The dates are July 31 through August 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. all week. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided and we can assist with transportation if needed. To register go to www.CampNoah.org.
Or if you have any additional questions please call Middletown Community UMC at (707) 987-3379.
