Do you have a warm heart, patience, team spirit, a sense of adventure, and time to give?

Then we are looking for you.
Come join our team!

PREPARED TO CARE

Comments from participants at Level I Disaster Child Care Training Workshops

"Very well planned and presented. I felt energized and invigorated at the prospect of participating in Disaster Child Care". - Windsor, CO, March 2001

"I loved it all! I learned so much and the sequential way the information was presented was very easy to follow." "I loved the activities and changing styles of teaching and learning. Great!" - Wenatchee, WA, April 2001

"Fantastic!" "Excellent! Good mix of instructions, stories and hands on activities." - Dallas Center, IA, April 2001

Children's Disaster Services is a national network of volunteers, motivated by religious faith and social concern, who are prepared and committed to helping families and comforting young children in traumatic disaster situations.

We believe that "the child shall be among the first to receive aid in time of disaster." United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Children: 1979 International Year of the Child.

The well-being of children during and after disasters is a priority of the Church of the Brethren, the American Red Cross and the ecumenical community. Working cooperatively, planning carefully, delivering quality training, maintaining an enthusiastic network of volunteers all add up to a readiness to respond.

Over twenty years of experience with tens of thousands of children who have been directly or indirectly affected by disasters, clearly demonstrate that children do indeed benefit from a calm environment and emotional support during the aftermath of traumatic events.

What happens during the training?

"It is amazing to walk into one of your child care centers and immediately feel the sense of calm and safety. This is as beneficial for the relief workers as it is for the children!" - American Red Cross Disaster Services staff

You will live in a simulated Red Cross shelter. You will sleep on a camp cot or floor mat, share simple meals, learn skills and make friends with other participants in the workshop.

You will learn how disasters impact families and practice child care skills specific to disaster response. You and your team will set up a temporary child care center using the "Kit of Comfort."

You will learn how the Children's Disaster Services network functions and works with the American Red Cross and FEMA in disasters.

You will assess your own emotional strength, skills and flexibility. You will take home knowledge and skills that are immediately transferable to your family, your church and community.

What should I bring to the workshop?

By Marlene Shoup

Clothing for active participation and floor sitting

Camping gear

• sleeping bag or blankets and pillow
• camp mat
• flashlight

Personal items

• towel and washcloth
• toiletries, soap, toothbrush
• devotional books

Openness to new experiences

What if I decide this type of volunteer work is not for me?

Attendance in a workshop does not enroll you automatically in Children's Disaster Services. At the end of the training you will have a better idea about your readiness and suitability for service with Children's Disaster Services.

What specifically would I be expected to do with children in a disaster situation?

Comfort

You and your team will be able provide a safe environment for children with age-appropriate play equipment. You will offer a gentle hand to hold, and a welcoming lap for reading and rocking.

Encouragement

You will guide children in activities that help them "tell their stories" and work through experiences of a traumatic event.

Understanding

You will be able help parents and disaster relief workers understand a child's feelings and needs after a disaster.

What can I expect after the workshop?

If you decide to apply for certification as a Children's Disaster Services volunteer, your application will be processed and held until references and a background check have been received. These documents will be reviewed and approval will be determined by the Children's Disaster Services National Coordinator. If approved for certification, you will receive a confirmation letter and identification card. You may also be invited to work with a group of others from your church or general area to develop a "Kit of Comfort."

Cost:

$45.00 early registration fee includes all meals and one overnight.
$55.00 late registration fee when mailed less than three weeks before.
$25.00 retraining fee

* These 2 CDS Level I Workshops are sponsored by the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) of the California / Nevada Annual Conference. Please note there are no prerequisites for this workshop. All are welcome to attend. For more information or to register for these workshops click here.

Please register early as workshops are limited to 25 persons.

Click here for the Level I Registration Form (PDF)

For more information contact: