Camp Widow Buffalo
Saturday
Registration (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
General Session (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
Please join AimeeJo Davis-Varela as she helps us open Camp Widow. AimeeJo is a grief educator, facilitator, and rebuilding and resilience coach who provides non-pathologizing support for people navigating life after loss. Widowed in 2020 after the death of her partner of 19 years, Vanessa, her work focuses on disenfranchised grief, LGBTQ+ affirming grief support, […] Read More
Track Introduction Session (9:45 AM - 10:45 AM)
Our Newly Widowed workshop track has been designed for widowed people whose widowhood began within the past twelve months. The content for this introduction to the Newly Widowed track is based on research done through the Soaring Spirits Resilience Center and will focus on a combination of providing campers with tools and resources designed to […] Read More
Our Recently Widowed workshop track has been designed for widowed people who were widowed anywhere from one to three years ago. The content for this introduction to the Recently Widowed track is based on research done through the Soaring Spirits Resilience Center and will focus on a combination of providing campers with tools and resources designed […] Read More
The Middle Widowed track is designed to meet the needs of people widowed between three and five years. These middle widowhood years are a time of searching, rebuilding, getting to know this new self within the widowed experience. The content for this introduction to the Middle Widowed track is based on research done through the […] Read More
There are many common misconceptions about the length of time widowed people will need the support of their community. As widowed people continue the work of building new lives, their need for access to and connection with their widowed community evolves and the topics they need to discuss change. The content developed for this introduction […] Read More
Our Ally workshop track has been designed for non-widowed support people attending Camp Widow alongside someone who is widowed. The content for this introduction to the Ally track is focused on providing insight, tools, and resources to help allies better understand and support their widowed person, while also acknowledging their own experience in a supporting […] Read More
Block 1 of Workshops (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Grief is often described in stages, but many widowed individuals discover that their grief does not move in a predictable timeline. Instead, it can be stuck in survival patterns that make it difficult to move forward. In this workshop, Dr. Tina Fornwald introduces five survival patterns that commonly emerge after the loss of a spouse […] Read More
This gathering offers LGBTQ+ widowed and surviving partners a chance to be in community and find support among other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Together, we will explore disenfranchised grief, the unique experience of grieving a partner as a queer person, and how community can support healing. Through shared stories and connection, participants […] Read More
The death of a partner from addiction or suicide brings unique challenges, complex emotions and circumstances, and difficult responses from society. This combined workshop offers a private and supportive space for widowed people navigating these distinct but often interconnected experiences. Together, we will explore the ways addiction and suicide impact grief, provide psycho-educational tools to […] Read More
Writing, Photography, Art, and Dance are all tools that each of us can use to get our thoughts and emotions out and validate what’s in our hearts. Whether you share your creations with others or keep them to yourself, the act of creative expression can be a path to healing and moving forward in your […] Read More
Humans crave touch. One of the many challenging parts of widowed life is the immediate reduction in the affection, connection and comfort that is a natural part of life with a spouse or partner. Adding to this already common challenge is the social distancing required to manage the pandemic which has decreased many widowed people’s […] Read More
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:15 PM)
Block 2 of Workshops (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)
After your spouse dies, anxiety becomes a constant companion. Your heart races for no reason. Your mind spins with “what ifs.” Panic hits at 3 AM. You feel like you’re always waiting for the next disaster. This isn’t just grief—it’s your brain trying to protect you after trauma. And understanding how your anxious brain works […] Read More
As someone who has performed and taught comedy for over 20 years, one thing Kelley Lynn has learned is that most comedy comes from tragedy and truth. But often times, finding the funny inside the pain seems impossible. In this workshop, Kelley Lynn will combine storytelling, stand up, and a therapeutic approach to help those […] Read More
The death of a long-term partner brings unique challenges. Along with grieving the person you love, you may also be grieving the loss of the one person who knew your story from the inside: someone who witnessed your growth, shared your history, and walked beside you through life’s milestones. This workshop will explore the realities […] Read More
Can you imagine yourself on a date? Do you even want to start dating again? What will your family and friends say if you decide to start dating again? Does it matter? What happens if you start dating and it doesn’t work out? What are your best hopes and worst fears about falling in love […] Read More
This workshop offers a space for honest, thoughtful conversation for those supporting someone who is widowed. Whether you are dating, partnered with, or a family member of a widowed person, this session invites you into real talk about the unique dynamics that can arise in these relationships. Read More
Track Wrap Up Sessions (2:45 PM - 3:45 PM)
Please join your Newly Widowed community for a discussion of the days’ offerings from the point of view of those who are widowed less than one year. We will also be providing information on self-care and how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Recently Widowed community for a discussion of the days’ offerings from the point of view of those who are widowed from one to three years. We will also be providing information on how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Middle Widowed Community for a discussion of the days’ offerings and to reconnect around the joys and challenges of being widowed three to five years. We will also be providing information on how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Seasoned Widowed Community for a discussion of the days’ offerings and to reconnect around the joys and challenges of being widowed five years or more. We will also be providing information on how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Ally community for a conversation reflecting on the day’s workshops from the perspective of those supporting someone who is widowed. This session offers an opportunity to share insights, ask lingering questions, and connect with others who understand the unique role of being an ally. Read More
Memorial Activity/Closing Remarks (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Connecting with other widowed people is one of the most important aspects of Camp Widow®. Gather with the widowed campers you met earlier in the day to discuss key takeaways and the opportunity to share contact information. Read More