Suncoast Kids Place

10/23/2026

10/23/2026

It's time for our 4th Annual Camp Erin National Luminary Ceremony 💖

This special virtual event welcomes individuals and families who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. As we create luminaries for a guided remembrance ceremony, we hope you find comfort in community, connection in shared experience, and strength in remembering. You are not alone. Let’s remember, together.

Register by November 2 to receive a free Luminary Kit (U.S. shipping only): https://elunanetwork.org/events/4th-annual-camp-erin-national-luminary-ceremony/

10/12/2026

Since schools were out for the summer, the SKP School Initiative team shifted its focus to supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system by facilitating grief and loss peer support groups within juvenile justice facilities.

During one of the eight sessions, they were led in a writing activity called the “I AM…” Poem. The purpose of this activity is to allow youth an opportunity to share about themselves and where they are in their grief experiences. After writing their poems, they were invited to read them aloud to the group, welcoming others into their stories and allowing one another to truly bear each other’s burdens. All of the poems were honest, raw, and deeply personal glimpses into their experiences.

09/30/2026

The SKP team took on a summer project to refresh and update our Lutz Centers, with one theme word guiding the work: ✨Hospitality. ✨

We know that a lot of heavy and difficult things are talked about in our centers, so we want children, teens, and their families to feel warm, welcomed, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.

Some parts of the project may be less visible, like going through every single toy, tossing broken ones, and deep-cleaning each item. Other updates are more noticeable, including the refreshed murals on the walls (some pictured here)!

As you drive by the SKP Centers on the Bay Hope Lakeshore campus, please take a moment to pray over them. Ask God to help every child, teen, and family feel supported and safe as they share, and to experience His healing, hope, and presence in their lives. 💜

08/25/2026

The success of Suncoast Kids Place is highly dependent on volunteers. The fact is, it cannot happen without them. You don’t have to be an expert in the field or have all the right things to say; you just need to be someone who is willing to listen and cares about others.

“To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

A volunteer's commitment to each grief & loss peer support group is 2.5 hours twice a month. Volunteers will be part of a team that interacts directly with children, teens, or caregivers who are grieving the death of a significant person(s).

Volunteer Roles

Children’s/Teen’s Group Volunteer - Support the Group Leader with the kids and group activity. These volunteers will have the opportunity to let their inner child shine while playing and interacting with the kids. They are encouraged to briefly share and participate in the group to show the children and teens that other people have experienced grief and that there are adults who care about them.

Adult Group Volunteer Facilitator - Co-lead an adult caregiver group to encourage and guide them to learn about how grief impacts their children, share information about the activities their children are involved in during their time in the group, and help them find comfort from other caregivers going through similar experiences.

Therapy Dog Owner - Approved therapy dogs only. Support the group by bringing your Therapy Dog. Encouraged to briefly share and participate in the group. SKP partners with Canines for Christ.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older. All potential volunteers are required to have a scheduled interview with a staff member, complete the volunteer training and the Mandated Reporter training, fill out a volunteer application, and pass a national criminal background check.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website: https://www.suncoastkidsplace.org/volunteer

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08/25/2026

🦋 Camp Blue Butterfly Registration is Open! 🦋

Registration is now open for Camp Blue Butterfly! 💙
A free grief support weekend for children ages 8–17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

🗓 November 13–15, 2026
📍 DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish, FL
✨ Space is limited—register today!

📞 For more information: (844) 954-9950
🌐 BlueButterflyCenter.org

🦋 ¡Inscripciones Abiertas para Camp Blue Butterfly! 🦋

¡Ya están abiertas las inscripciones para Camp Blue Butterfly! 💙
Un retiro gratuito de apoyo para el duelo dirigido a niños y jóvenes de 8 a 17 años que han perdido a un ser querido.

🗓 13–15 de Noviembre de 2026
📍 DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish, FL
✨ ¡Los espacios son limitados, inscríbete hoy!

📞 Para más información: (844) 954-9950
🌐 BlueButterflyCenter.org

08/25/2026

08/18/2026

What a joy to spend some time pouring into the people who pour so much into others! 💛🎳🎶

As we get ready for a new school year of providing grief and loss peer support groups and education, we took some time to pause, connect, laugh, and have FUN together!

Moments like these remind us just how important connection is, especially in the work we do.

We’re so grateful for this team and the heart they bring to the families and community we serve. And while not everyone could join us (so you won’t see our whole team pictured!), those who weren’t present were definitely missed and are very much a part of this crew! 🫶

Here’s to a new school year filled with connection, compassion, support, and making a difference together! ✨

07/01/2026

Here is our updated flyer for our free Adult Grief and Loss Support Group!

This ongoing support group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm in person at The LIFE Center of the Suncoast. 6811 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33604.

Scan the QR code or call (813) 237-3114 to register!

We invite you to join us in a space of support and understanding.

06/30/2026

Proudly representing Suncoast Kids Place at the National Alliance for Children’s Grief Symposium 2026! 🌟💙🌟