013 - Forging Bonds and Finding Solace at Camp Good Mourning - Paul Rubin

Our Dead Dads

Can a camp really change the life of a grieving child? Join us as we welcome Paul Rubin, the visionary behind Camp Good Mourning on Long Island, a haven where children aged 7 to 17 find solace and community after losing a parent or sibling. Paul shares his heartfelt journey from volunteering at a similar camp in New Jersey to establishing this indispensable resource on Long Island. You’ll hear about how Camp Good Mourning’s unique overnight stays forge deeper connections among campers, and how the initiative has flourished since its inception in 2018, even adapting creatively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout our talk, Paul opens up about the meticulous volunteer screening process and the impactful stories of campers who have found a sense of family and belonging at Camp Good Mourning. We dive into the camp's structure, which balances support group sessions with recreational activities to create a nurturing environment for grieving children. Highlighting the importance of ongoing connections, Paul discusses how the camp ensures that kids continue receiving support beyond their camp experience, leveraging social media to keep the bonds strong.
We wrap up with a light-hearted Q&A session where Paul reveals some personal quirks and heartwarming anecdotes, making for a truly engaging conversation. From discussing the complexities of talking about death with children to celebrating the camp's 50% return rate, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how Camp Good Mourning is changing lives one child at a time. Don’t miss this heartfelt episode as we explore the profound impact of community and support in the healing journey of grieving children.
PAUL'S LINKS:
Email: [e-mail]
Website: https://www.campgoodmourning.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampGoodMourning
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN'S GRIEF:
https://nacg.org/
DONATE TO CAMP GOOD MOURNING: https://www.campgoodmourning.org/wish-list
NICK'S PERSONAL FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/nick.gaylord.50/

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Chapters

1. 013 - Forging Bonds and Finding Solace at Camp Good Mourning - Paul Rubin (00:00:00)

2. Camp Good Morning (00:00:01)

3. Long Island Overnight Bereavement Camp (00:08:09)

4. Support Groups for Grieving Children (00:15:37)

5. Honesty and Support in Grieving (00:27:16)

6. Building Strong Connections Through Bereavement Camp (00:35:21)

7. Bereavement Camp Funding and Volunteers (00:44:15)

8. Increasing Exposure for Bereavement Camp (00:49:10)

9. Bereavement Camp Promotion and Collaboration (00:53:10)

10. Navigating Conversations About Loss and Grief (01:01:02)

11. Unique Approach to Bereavement Camps (01:14:23)

12. Spreading Awareness for Bereavement Camp (01:23:50)

13. Casual Interview Questions With Paul (01:31:45)

14. Life, Loss, and Laughter (01:37:31)