Avow Kids offers therapeutic spring break camp

Avow Kids offers a spring break camp to help kids heal through therapy and music.

Picking up the pieces in puzzle games and therapy is what 8-year-old Isabelle and her 11-year-old brother Aiden get the chance to do every time they walk through Aunt Janet’s House doors.

“Avow is about talking about your feelings while you have fun,” Isabella said.

Aunt Janet’s house is the home base for Avow Kids program, which helps kids in Collier County learn how to cope with grief and loss.

Lea Pascotto is the manager of supportive care and a licensed counselor.

“And what I stress to the parents and the kids is, if your family is grieving, grieve together, you know, parents let your kids see that you’re crying and that, you know, it’s okay to be sad. And it’s okay to express your emotions. Because then I feel like the family and the kids really know that. You know, I can be sad,” Pascotto said.

Isabelle and Aiden’s parents have cancer.

That’s why grandpa David Collins plays such an important role.

“These two really need to be able to understand what’s going on. And we’re new to this but it’s something that they need to kind of deal with for a long time,” Collins said.

Aunt Janet’s house uses talk, art, music therapy and other methods to help children grow through their grief.

After Hurricane Ian, kids and adults in the community suffered all kinds of loss.

“To really grow through your grieving process. You need to be present and be aware of your feelings. Let yourself feel like yourself feel even if you don’t want to,” Pascotto said.

Avow Kids free spring break camp runs through Wednesday. Space is limited.