Volunteers Training

Training Session Overview
The training that our volunteers receive is spread out over four days.

Day One
An introduction to Seasons Centre, our mandate, mission statement and principles will begin the day. This day includes a time for introduction to one another and a time for sharing with each other the reasons for wanting to work with children in grief.
Throughout the day participants will find common connections with new people. In addition, they will learn the value of sharing and debriefing, and the importance of confidentiality.

This is an intense and personal day. Participants leave feeling they have met some very special people with whom they have built an uncommon bond.

Day Two
On this day participants reflect back to the previous day and deal with the effects that may arise as a result.

Activities to focus on personal issues of loss will be used to demonstrate a child’s journey through grief.

Day Three
The third day focuses on activities to allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of a child’s perception of and means of expressing grief.

Developmental levels of children and the tasks facing those in grief are also explored.

Day Four
During the last day, participants learn to structure activities for children using different means of expression. They also learn new methods for fully understanding children’s communication techniques.

Group facilitation and communication techniques will also be taught.

In Service
Representatives from the community are invited to speak on topics of interest and to answer questions and concerns that volunteers may have (ie, funeral directors, psychologists). In service gatherings are held at various times throughout the year.