Support for the Whole Family
Our Youth Program has a wide range of opportunities specifically designed for kids and teens impacted by grief or cancer, whether they are living with cancer themselves, know someone living with cancer or know someone who died due from any cause. We utilize age-appropriate support and educational activities to meet youth where they are.
Ongoing Youth Support Programs
We’re thrilled to offer a comprehensive virtual support program for youth ages 3-18.
- Children’s Grief New Member Meeting Please call to join one of these informational meetings to learn more about the Children’s Grief Program. This is for children who have experienced the death of a family member or friend due to any type of death.
- Family Cancer Support New Member Meeting Please call to join one of these informational meetings to learn more about the Children’s Cancer Program. This is for children who are impacted by any type of cancer (whether their own diagnosis or that of someone in their life).
Kids Grief Support A weekly support group for elementary age youth who have experienced the death of someone in their life due to any cause. This support group incorporates age specific curriculum-based activities and discussion.
- Kids Cancer Support A weekly support group for youth ages kindergarten – 5th grade impacted by cancer (whether their own diagnosis or that of someone in their life). This support group incorporates age specific curriculum-based activities and discussion.
- Noogieland Noogieland offers fun activities including arts and crafts, drama, games and more for youth in kindergarten and younger. Supervised by a professional staff with the help of many dedicated volunteers, Noogieland provides a safe environment for kids to share their feelings and build support. Noogieland is scheduled at the same time as many of Gilda’s Club’s activities for adults, including support groups, lectures and workshops, so that support is available for the whole family.
- Teen & Tween Cancer Support A weekly support group for teens in high school and tweens in middle school impacted by cancer (whether their own diagnosis or that of someone in their life). This support group incorporates age specific curriculum-based activities and discussion.
- Teen & Tween Grief Support A weekly support group for teens in high school and tweens in middle school who have experienced the death of someone in their life due to any cause. This support group incorporates age specific curriculum-based activities and discussion.
To raise awareness for our support community each year and welcome the community through our red doors, we host numerous events that celebrate our members, educate the community, showcase the unique support services we provide. One of the ways we do this is through community events for youth:
Camp Sparkle
Camp Sparkle is an annual summer favorite! A day camp for children entering kindergarten through fifth grades who have been impacted by cancer or grief. Together we learn, share and laugh as we explore healthy ways to deal with life’s tough stuff and support overall emotional health. Camp Sparkle will be held Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 12 – 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Read More
Halloween NoogieFest
Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Halloween NoogieFest is an opportunity for children of all ages and their families to visit Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids for a spooktacular afternoon of fun! NoogieFest features special guests, games and snacks. Read More