Activity

Activity: Family Memory Jar

By: Kelly Petersohn, LCSW

Tragic Events

An Eluna Camp Erin Camper working on a Family memory Jar 

Objective:

Creating your own special memory jar with your family is a fun activity that comes from Camp Erin Miami/South Florida. Each family member can make their own memory jar or make one jar as a family. Decide together how the jars will be the most helpful for you on your grief journey.
There are some great ideas below!

Instructions:

  • Choose tissue paper in colors that are special to you. It can be colors that remind you of your loved one or colors that represent feelings you have had on your grief journey.
  • Using the scissors, cut the paper into different shapes, symbols, or strips.
  • To decorate the jar, you’ll Mod Podge one piece of tissue paper at a time. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on the jar using the foam paint brush (a little goes a long way). Add one piece of tissue paper on the jar with your own pattern and design.
  • When you finished, set the jar in a safe place to allow the Mod Podge to dry for at least 2 hours.

Supplies:

  • Jar (any size will work)
  • Colored Tissue Paper
  • Mod Podge
  • Foam Paint Brush
  • Scissors

Additional Ideas:

  • Fill your jar with your favorite pictures (or make your own).
  • Write or draw memories to place in the jar.
  • Place a small candle inside your jar to create a memorial for them.
  • Write down different feelings you have experienced on your grief journey.
  • Collect different tokens or symbols that remind you of your loved one

Created in Partnership With Camp Erin Miami/South Florida

En Español: Frasco de Recuerdos

Download Printable Activity

NEED HELP NOW?

Call or Text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Hours:
24 hours. 7 days a week
Language:
English. Spanish
Website:
https://988lifeline.org/
Learn More Eluna's Camp Erin logo in orange
Created by

Camp Erin Miami/South Florida

PERSONALIZED CARE

Overwhelmed?

Eluna’s personalized support service will create a custom list of resources and local referrals unique to you or the family you’re supporting. Recognizing that it can be hard to find what you need, we are here to listen with an open heart and provide resources that reflect each unique story, at no charge. We hope to connect with you soon.

Related Resources

Read more: 10 Things Grieving Children Want You to Know
Resource type: Article
Grief & Loss

10 Things Grieving Children Want You to Know

Ten Things Grieving Children Want You To Know 1. Children want to be told the truth about the death: Tell them

Read More
Read more: 3 Mindfulness Activities for Kids
Resource type: Activity
Related Topics

3 Mindfulness Activities for Kids

When it comes to mindfulness and kids, the way forward is creativity and fun, rather than pushing them into seated meditation,

Read More
Read more: Activity: Emotions Map
Resource type: Activity
Childhaven Art with Heart Logo
Related Topics

Activity: Emotions Map

Creating an Emotions Map uses non-verbal expression to learn to identify emotions and develop self-awareness. In this activity, children use colors

Read More
STAY CONNECTED

Empowering stories, expert guidance, and resources delivered to your inbox.