Amanda the Panda
Amanda the Panda provides innovative grief support services that promote hope and healing to individuals, children and families. Learn more about our support options below.
Day camps
At Amanda the Panda Grief Day Camps, teens and children find a place of comfort and support as they connect with others who have experienced loss. Loss can stem from the death of a loved one, divorce and other traumatic events.
Youth are grouped with peers their own age as camp counselors and volunteers lead campers through age-appropriate activities that focus on connection and healing.
ATP offers day camps in the Des Moines metro and Creston locations.
For more questions, please email griefandloss@everystep.org.
ATP in schools
Amanda the Panda has provided on-site programming at more than 76 schools to support children experiencing grief and loss. We offer six-week, in-school support groups throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. These age-appropriate groups use guided activities to help students express emotions and connect with peers who have experienced significant loss including death, divorce, custody removal and more.
For questions or additional information, please email griefandloss@everystep.org.
Volunteer with ATP
Our volunteers support our camp participants to create a safe, comforting environment. Volunteers also help provide meals for support groups. We have a variety of volunteer positions available, and many of them do not require previous experience!
To learn more about these opportunities, call (515) 223-4847 or email Amanda Fagen at afagen@everystep.org.
Supplemental Programming
Ranging from dinner club gatherings for young adults, to opportunities to attend local events, Amanda the Panda engages participants in activities that promote socialization and help individuals, children, and families rebuild after the death of a loved one.
For questions or additional information, please email griefandloss@everystep.org.
Community Support
Our Grief & Loss team is here to support individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities during times of loss. We offer a variety of education, resources, and compassionate support tailored to your needs, including educational presentations for workplaces, schools, and community-based organizations; Day of Hope and Healing events; one-time education and support offerings; crisis support following the death of a loved one; and access to grief-related resources.
To learn more or to connect with our team, please reach out to griefandloss@everystep.org.
Contact Us
To learn more about Amanda the Panda’s programs and services, please email griefandloss@everystep.org, or call (515) 223-4847. Our office is located at 1821 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265.
