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Children\u2019s Disaster Services (CDS) is holding volunteer training workshops in Georgia and Connecticut in February and March, respectively.<\/p>\n
An article about the recent–and first–CDS workshop in Connecticut<\/strong> is at http:\/\/canton-ct.patch.com\/articles\/group-learns-how-to-help-children-in-the-midst-of-a-crisis<\/a> . The piece title \u201cGroup Learns How to Help Children in the Midst of a Disaster\u201d reports on the event held Jan. 18-19 that trained 26 people, and how the \u201cCT Project\u201d is working to bring CDS to the state.<\/p>\n Participants in a CDS workshop learn to provide comfort and encouragement to children by offering the healing young children need in traumatic situations. The CDS workshop experience teaches how to create a safe, friendly environment that gives children the chance to engage in therapeutic play activities designed to relieve stress and calm fears. Most workshops also include a simulated shelter experience (an overnight stay) for adults interested in working with children after a disaster. Participants completing the course will have the opportunity to become certified CDS volunteers.<\/p>\n A workshop in Norcross, Ga., is planned for Feb. 18-21<\/strong> at the Lodge at Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center. This workshop is in conjunction with a Disaster Academy coordinated by UMCOR, a United Methodist relief organization, and the Southeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. The schedule varies from the usual 2-day, 27-hour format of CDS workshops. In addition to the registration fee of $45 the cost for room and board ranges from $228 (double) to $458 (single). A minimum registration number of 15 people is required by Jan. 28 for this workshop to be conducted. Go to www.brethren.org\/cds\/training\/dates.html<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n A workshop in Stratford, Conn., is planned for March 15-16.<\/strong> The event will be held at the Stratford Municipal Center. Registration costs $45. To express interest, contact local coordinator Bruce Lockwood at lockwoodbruce@comcast.net<\/a> or 860 883-4280, or contact the Children\u2019s Disaster Services office at CDS@Brethren.org<\/a> or 800-451-4407, option 5.<\/p>\n