002: How to Address Childcare In the Midst of Disaster with Mikey Latner

“Disaster relief needs a space where we can provide support for kids because it has so many knock-on effects. The only way a community up and running again is if they have reliable childcare.” —Mikey Latner

Episode Description: 

Natural disasters can be very frightening for children. They may see or hear about things that are frightening, such as death, destruction, and violence. They may also be separated from their parents or other loved ones. 

But unfortunately, disasters can strike at any time, without warning. That's why it's so important to make sure that our children are safe and have their needs met during and after a disaster. 

Project Camp, founded by Mikey Latner is an organization that made this need its very mission. Along with their partners, Project Camp has become a sanctuary for young ones, providing safety in a fun and creative way. 

Learn more about Project Camp’s mission as Jennifer and Mikey revisit the organization’s origin and the process of creating a space of safety and normalcy for kids— from the organization and preparation to the actual building of camps. They also discuss the role of professionals in supporting children in the face of disaster, bridging the gap in the relief space, the importance of “writing your plans in pencil”, implementing strategic collaboration among partners, and how to help the helpers  practice self-care as individuals and as an organization.

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:06 The Project Camp Mission

07:46 Your Skill Matters

11:59 Creating a Safe and Creative Space for Kids

15:53 Meeting Kids Where They’re At 

25:31 Growing the Camp

31:57 Leveraging People to Do the Work 

33:41 Self-Care in the Organization 

38:47 Defining Service Delivery