FAB Summer Wellness Party 2023

The sun was excited to attend the Family Advisory Board's annual Summer event with the FAB community, Camden staffers, and their children. The children were invited to do crafts, including decorating canvasses and making clay models to take home. The room of miniature artists created various bright, beautiful masterpieces. One child showed off a moody canvas depicting a "rough sea in a dark night". One parent, Serenity, thinks it was a 'lovely idea' for all the children to take- home a "memento of the day". FGC manager Hina and her sister Devi led a wellness workshop on the power of positive thinking for the adults and young people. One attendee, Suraya, described the guided affirmation workshop as "extremely relaxing, and I reflected on my own body". FAB members brought food, and everyone shared food. Tim and Karman spoke about the FAB group's ten-year run, with parents testifying about the amazing work being done. A new FAB member spoke about the power of having both families and kids involved in their own meetings. A very special member was celebrated by her friends and family. Sandra is a foundational member of the FAB group and was surprised by a big birthday cake and verses of 'Happy Birthday". "I was gobsmacked", says Sandra, "I hate big surprises usually, but it was wonderful to be thought of". One child's favourite part of the day was participating in all the different activities. Elzbieta and the Young Inspectors were there doing surveys for their new project. They made the point that the day felt like an alternate model of social services, with families and workers coming together, celebrating, reflecting and playing.