March 29, 2021

Packing Amanda the Panda's Camp-In-A-Box: Access Systems Volunteers

Each spring and fall, EveryStep Grief & Loss Services' Amanda The Panda program invites those who have lost a loved one to a weekend camp.
 
Amanda the Panda Grief & Loss Camp is a time of comfort and support as children, teens and adults connect with each other over their shared losses.
 
With the health and safety of campers and staff members in mind, Amanda the Panda made the difficult decision to shift from an in-person camp to a virtual event through a new concept: Camp-in-a-Box.
 
Spring camp, which will take place April 3, will look different than our traditional camp, but it comes with all the same connection and resources. Participants will pick up their Camp-in-a-Box the week prior to camp and prepare for a day of online activities.
 
But before they can do that, the boxes must be assembled.
 
Nearly 40 employees at Access Systems graciously volunteered to do just that.
 
For three days, employees at Access Systems volunteered over their lunch break to pack 25 boxes for campers.
 
"We believe we should have mission moments," said Charlie Kiesling, director of people and culture at Access Systems, and member of EveryStep's Board of Trustees. "It helps us understand why we're volunteering. We've supported Amanda the Panda for years here, but not everyone understands or makes that connection."
 
Being able to physically see camp materials and read some of the Amanda the Panda "Love Walls" while doing so, helped volunteers make a connection with the organization.

Following the packing, Access Systems also arranged to return the Camp-in-a-Box packages back to Amanda the Panda's offices where campers will pick them up prior to the April 3 event. 

While the spring session of Amanda the Panda's Grief & Loss Camp has reached capacity, there are other opportunities to receive grief support. 

The spring session of Amanda the Panda's weekly support groups will begin on April 19. 

If you're interested in volunteering for Amanda the Panda, visit our volunteer page.