In addition to greeting families, registering kids for our many workshops, and ensuring kids have the time of their lives whenever they visit the Museum, Kieran Barber also volunteers with Katy’s Kids, a family bereavement program that meets at the Museum twice a month. Mr. Barber was kind enough to share some of his experiences working with this vital resource for families living in the East End.
What have you found most surprising while volunteering with Katy’s Kids?
“During my first few months of helping out with Katy’s Kids @ CMEE, I was so amazed by how all the kids, who have experienced immense trauma, were able to process it in such a way that surprised even the older adults who were involved in the program. I think that is what made me realize the importance of play in the grieving process.”
Can you share some of your favorite experiences?
“At the end of the summer we set up a water play activity so the kids all got to come in their bathing suits and have the whole backyard playground to themselves. We made a couple dozen water balloons for a toss game and set up a huge slip n’ slide. The kids enjoyed it so much that we’ve decided to make it an annual event!
“In the fall, I created a scavenger hunt for the kids, encompassing the whole museum. They all had to search both the indoor and outdoor exhibits in order to find their own individual gift bags. The kids had been requesting an activity like this for months and their excitement while racing around the museum solving the riddles was proof to us of how important this resource has become.”
To learn more about Katy’s Kid at CMEE and how you can get involved, please visit their website.