EC AnnualReport final - Flipbook - Page 10
We
grew
beyond
the
bunk.
We created a virtual world in Minecraft!
In July, we piloted “ExperienceCraft,” the first moderated
space for grieving kids in Minecraft, built with the developers
from Connected Camps. The goal was to meet kids where
they already are — in this case, on the hugely popular gaming
platform, Minecraft — and bring them to a virtual space where,
like camp, they can experience joy and play with other kids who
“get it” about grief.
Our space is clinically informed, play-based, and was built in
close partnership with a youth advisory board of teens. In the
pilot phase, 30 kids logged on to build virtual campfires, play
games, reflect in a Zen garden, and talk about their grief. What
we learned from the pilot: they appreciate being with each other
and want more!
Next up is expanding the program and learning as we grow,
with a goal of reaching 500 kids by this coming summer.
Note: The project is supported by the philanthropic investment
of the New York Life Foundation, and research on the socialemotional outcomes of this model is being funded by Templeton
World Charity Foundation.
10
We built a
Youth Advisory
Board to educate
the public.
In 2021, we built our
inaugural Youth Advisory
Board, made up of 17
thoughtful and expressive
campers. Each month
we asked them to share
feedback, opinions, and
suggestions via video and
write about a grief-based
topic. We then broadcast
their thoughts across our
platforms — social media,
our blog, a webinar, and
YouTube — in order to help
educate the public to create
a more grief-sensitive culture.
Our Youth Advisory Board
this year is made up of
21 brave thought leaders
and vocal ambassadors on
childhood grief. Jaylen (5th
from right) joined us for his
second year on the board!