Kintsugi is a special Japanese art where people fix broken pottery, like bowls or cups, using golden glue. Instead of hiding the cracks, they fill them with the glue, so the cracks shine and actually become a new part of the design.

Kintsugi teaches us something really important:

Just because something is broken doesn’t mean it’s ruined. In fact, the cracks can make it even more beautiful. It’s kind of like when we get hurt or go through something hard—those experiences can help us grow, and they become part of our story. Kintsugi reminds us that it’s okay not to be perfect, and we can be proud of the things we’ve overcome.

This was the theme of this year’s Camp Good Grief, in which 45 children attended partaking in a number of fun activities and crafts. Held at Seneca Hills Bible Camp, the kids were broken into three different groups, and with the help of a number of volunteers, the kids rode on a zip line, climbed a rock wall, and made a Kintsugi-themed craft.

After lunch, the kids were all gathered together again to partake in a craft painting their very own butterfly house. When taking it home it will give the kids an opportunity to be caregivers as they experience what it’s like to nurture and care for others, even if it’s the little creatures like butterflies.

After the butterfly craft, the kids got to jump into the refreshing pool and swim for a couple of hours during what was a hot summer day. For most of the kids, this seems to be the most favored activity of the day.

After all was done, the kids gathered for the last time of the day to reminisce about their day of learning and to share their experiences. Reminded once again the reason we come together for this camp, that it’s okay to grieve (good grief) and mourn those we lost, whether it be the loss of their loved one, a friend, or even their dog or cat.

It was a wonderful day for everyone involved especially for the kids. But, we give special thanks to the staff and volunteers from VNA that all helped to make this happen. Without their support events like Camp Good Grief wouldn’t happen. Lastly, we thank the parents and guardians for allowing us, the staff/volunteers, to share this experience with your kids; a humbling and precious moment that we’ll never forget.