In 2004, Penn State Cooperative Extension established the Kinship Family
Retreat model. This is a holistic approach for supporting children and
their caregivers. This two- day experience helps families to strengthen
communication skills and relationships in a safe, stress-free environment.
Family members spend quality time together. From March 31-April 2, 2006, a
team of extension educators from seven counties in the Northwest region of
the state organized a Kinship Care Retreat at the Family First Sports Park
Facility in Erie County. Seventy-three individuals, from 27 families, took
part. This regional retreat included educational workshops on resiliency,
conflict management, anger management, open communication, health and
nutrition, physical fitness , self-esteem ( for children and teens), and the
use of humor in dealing with the day-to-day challenges that the adults and
children face. Also included was a series of family strengthening
activities, including the creation of "family banners;" this activity helped
family members to articulate a shared sense of family identity. |
