I have volunteered at this nonprofit the for last 2 years (2023 & 2024). Having experienced significant loss in my own life, being part of such an impactful program is healing in itself.
I have seen the families, who attend camp, open and blossom to their grieving in such beautiful ways. Within this nurturing safe space, families acknowledge and honor their loss. CHARM’s multifaceted approach, and significant support at each step, allows for a deeper healing to ensue.
Over the weekend, and subsequent activities, families connect with one another in lasting bonds, creating supportive networks for the parents, children, and whole family system.
CHARM curates a beautiful experience, not only during the sleep away summer camp, but continues to provide support for the families as they evolve in their grief for years to come.
I could not be more proud and humbled to be part of this beautiful and essential community.
I had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp Druzy this year. I had heard amazing things about this organization prior to me volunteering. I witnessed for myself the dedication, love, humility, and comprehension of all the wonderful people who were making a difference in someone's life. Learning to cope with the loss of a loved one is hard, especially for a child. Camp Druzy brought so many smiles to all participants regardless of their age. You could see and feel the hope in their healing process. Dr. Heidi has done a remarkable job in creating this safe haven for families to come and share their grief and feel that they are not alone in their journey. It is amazing to see so many wonderful volunteers, regardless if they themselves are going through a tough time . The overall atmosphere and love is felt throughout the building from the minute you walk in. Dr Heidi has implemented such an important and much needed program for our community. I'm very thankful for the opportunity given to me as a volunteer and would do it again in a heartbeat!
This was my first year volunteering at Camp Druzy, and after this incredible experience, I hope to return every year. The dedication of Dr. Pottinger and the entire team of volunteers is truly inspiring. It takes extraordinary people to be able to be fully present witnessing grief and loss, especially when it's children who are suffering. I was deeply moved by the way Camp Druzy gracefully balances working with grief with finding joy in the present moment.
It was My First Year attending camp Druzy and it has Been One Of the most greatest experience, i Lost My Mom 3 years Ago and After finishing This experience with camp druzy it made Me realized So many Things About Grief And I feel some Peace In me . I want To thank Everyone for this womderful Experience
Para mis hijos y para mi fue una experiencia inolvidable , sus pláticas sus terapias todo fue increíble , mis hijos no querían volver a casa , las personas son una maravilla de personas tan amables y buenas personas , sin duda alguna este campamento a sido de los mejores que hemos ido . Muchas gracias
Every aspect of CHARM is different and unique from anything you will ever experience. Dr. Pottinger has put together a program and a team of people who genuinely care about the families. Everyone from the participants to the volunteers and even resort staff are deeply moved by the healing that begins.
This program is desperately needed in our communities and Dr. Pottinger is blazing the trail! I’m proud of her and blessed to be a part of this.
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I volunteer with Charm AZ with two events: The Danica Tanori Memorial Golf Tournament. Our goal is to remember a beautiful member of our local community, Danica Tanori, and raise money for Charm AZs Camp Druzy.
The Golf Tournament has turned into a collaborative event with the common goal of raising money for Camp Druzy. The tournament has a very loyal following and I enjoy seeing the community show up every year. I'm able to work this event and talk about what a huge impact camp has on our campers.
Camp Druzy is meant to support families with children who are grieving a loss in their family. We connect with families on such deep and spiritual levels. The environment that our founder, Heidi, helps to create, instantly makes every person open to be vulnerable and feel so safe. Every year I volunteer I learn more about myself and get to truly realize the amazing experience that each person has. It's such a transformative weekend and I'm thankful that this has come into my life.
Going back again this year to camp as a volunteer has continued to not just amaze me, but grow my passion for helping others. CHARM continues to touch the lives of those struggling with loss in such a pure, holistic, and heart-felt way. To see families arrive with uncertainty, struggles of all kind, and on top of that grief and loss, and then to see them leave with smiles, new connections with family and new friends makes me feel something I cannot begin to describe with words.
Thank you CHARM for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
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I had the privilege to participate at CHARM’s Camp Druzy 2023 as a volunteer all weekend, alongside other amazing volunteers and staff.
As a professional therapist I know that there are many types of treatments and modalities to helping someone through grief and loss. But, the way Camp Druzy is set up, it helps a person approach their grief in a different way that people usually would rarely think to. Camp Druzy provides space for a person to simply be while at the same time learning new healthy coping skills in a fun and safe environment (for people of all ages). I saw the Camp help grieving parents learn different ways to communicate and listen to their children and other loved ones. There were so many wonderful, life-changing things that I saw happen that weekend and it left me feeling hopeful for all families that attended.
I strongly recommend Camp Druzy for people of all ages/families, struggling with grief and loss. It is a great service that CHARM provides for our communities in Arizona. If you are someone looking for a different approach to grief and loss, then I encourage you to please give this a try.
Our experience was amazing we had a great time, pur family was very well taken care of, at all times. The individual attention we got was awesome and our kids lived it as well. Staff was very attractive and respectful. We build great bonds. Thank you! ❤️
Al final solo queda decir gracias por todo su apoyo estos días fueron maravillosos, nos permitieron sonreír y sanar cada día un poco más nuestro dolor.
Las terapias nos dejaron buenas enseñanzas para poder trabajar en sanar nuestro duelo, mi hija pasó días sonriendo y es hermoso escuchar de ella lo feliz que se sentía tuvimos a Fernanda de apoyo y mi hija la sintió muy cercana y atenta con nosotras, quiero agradecer a todos los que hacen posible estos momentos, gracias por sus aportaciones, deseo que Dios Padre les llene de bendiciones gracias gracias gracias
This was my first year volunteering. It was such an amazing and rewarding experience for me. Seeing families come together for each other to navigate similar trauma while learning new skills to support their families is a cause worth supporting in anyway you can. I'll be back
This is my 4th year volunteering for Camp Druzy, and so far this was the most impacting camp of them all. The tools and skills caught to the families will serve them in so many ways.
I have had the opportunity to collaborate in Camp Druzy for the past couple years. Heidi and her team create an environment of healing, peace, and warmth where the families feel safe to share about their experiences with love and loss. Thinking about young children sharing about their families gets me emotional because I know they will be forever changed by having been given a space to unpack their grief at such a young age. From children sharing about a parent who has passed away to grieving the loss of a beloved pet, they are validated and held however they need to be. I love Camp Druzy and the beautiful work CHARM does year round to support our community
Going to Camp Druzy was a great experience. It was so healing for our family, to be able to express things that have happened to us. Share with others as we grieve the loss of our loved ones. The tools they gave us were very helpful. Also the stories shared by other families, helped us to relate. The yoga and meditation was also a great plus. Arts and crafts was very nice and calming. They also had therapy dogs which the children loved. The true beauty of this was to see many families hurting and broken at the beginning. But after 3 days of being together and expressing our feelings. There was a big change in all the families at the end. So I highly recommend this camp for grieving families because it really helps. Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience this, looking forward to next summer.
CHARM is amazing! My daughter and I had the opportunity to participate in Camp Druzy 2023. We made new friends, had amazing experiences, and learned easy and useful well-being techniques. Big thanks to Heidi and her team!!
Camp Druzy made me see a different perspective in life and with my own grief. I am so blessed to have had an opportunity to come to this camp and learn from other’s stories while making new memories with my family. This is an experience I will never forget! Thank you to everyone involved who made this possible for our family.
I had the privilege to see Camp Druzy in action at the Historic Shankle Ranch in Tubac during the 2023 Summer Camp. Children were playing lawn games, swimming, painting clay pots, and planting seeds - just to name a few activities. The children and families were thoroughly enjoying themselves. As I was leaving, I heard a child exclaim loudly, “This is the BEST day of my life!”. Child Health and Resilience Mastery, Inc is doing a phenomenal job helping grieving families and children!
CHARM is a fantastic organization. Heidi and her fabulous team allowed us to experience Camp Druzy this past weekend and we are still on a Druzy high. We gained new life skills and techniques to help cope with stressful life situations. It allowed for uninterrupted bonding time with my daughter and a nice break from life. We disconnected from our technology and reconnected with nature. Most beneficial were the new friendships and connections made with families in similar situations. Hopefully we can attend camp again next year to share our progress with the CHARM team. I look forward to getting more involved in the CHARM nonprofit. - Thanks again to this amazing team, R & V
Camp Druzy CHARM was a great experience to learn new tools and techniques of coping and working through grief. The staff of counselors and volunteers were patient in teaching us. Very helpful and I would recommend one dealing with grief to attend.
“My heart is filled with gratitude that my children and I were able to be held with such love, kindness, and gentle support during this difficult time. To be in community with other families helped us feel so much more connected to humanity, what it means to be human, and showed me how important it is to have to spaces to grieve and heal together. Heidi, Megan, and all of the wonderful volunteers, and practitioners were so attentive and helped create a safe environment for our families to express and process our grief. Please help support CHARM and Camp Druzy, more families need the opportunity to experience such care!”
I had a great experience volunteering with CHARM at Camp Druzy. I have volunteered since 2020, and it’s evident Heidi knows how to run a supportive and impactful camp for grieving children and families. I’m confident this camp will bring a positive light to this world for years to come.
I can't be more thankful, the way the treated us and the way they helped us, was so heartwarming, definitely something that is needed while you are grieving. I have no words to express what I experienced during those few days. I was going through the hardest moments of my life, and for an entire weekend I finally felt understood, and with no judgments. Most people don't understand grief, but Charm does. I'm happy, my children and I were able to part of it. Everyone was extremely respectful and the accommodations were great.
Heidi and the CHARM team are fully invested in their mission and making on impact on the communities and families they serve. The organization is well equipped with evidence-based practices, and loving and full-hearted in their approaches. I am proud to have CHARM as a part of our local community and hope to see them expand beyond what they could have ever dreamed of!
Odin and I (he's an Irish Wolfhound and we are a pet therapy team) had the privilege of participating in the Camp Druzy weekend in July along with another team. We were asked to attend a number of the events to contribute to this weekend of healing for family members and children attending who had lost a loved one a or were grieving in some way over a life hurdle.
Our presence was requested to provide and offer the opportunity for an Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) to those family members and children who might benefit from the power of comfort and healing offered by a very big and very friendly dog.
AAI can support individuals during times of crisis, emotional trauma recovery, help alleviate symptoms of depression, etc. The beauty of this is Dr. Pottinger and her team at CHARM recognize the healing effects that pets can provide.
My most memorable moment of the weekend was when the CHARM team played the favorite song of the loved one that had been requested by the family as part of the healing grieving process.
Odin and I were asked to to go the family's table while the song was being played to provide comfort and support. While very emotional for the family members to hear their loved one's song, Odin's presence and the opportunity or family to pet him many times brought a smile even through their tears.
What a beautiful weekend of activities that were provided to the families by CHARM.
I'm so glad we could be a small part of it.
What an amazing organization, I had an opportunity to share this experience with my daughter. Through this experience CHARM helped my daughter and I have closure over a deep loss we had recently gone through. My daughter and I came closer as a unit and healed a little more. We became more understanding of each other and learned a little more about each other.
There really aren't words to describe the impact of Camp Druzy, a weekend retreat filled with spiritual and creative activities for families grieving the loss of a loved one. Camp Druzy is like a weekend long embrace in which families can support each other through a difficult time, creatively explore the impact a loved one had in their lives, share their memories, and consider how their life may look going forward. From the opening ceremony with a traditional healer to the closing talking circle, every single minute provided participants with opportunities to grow and learn ways to get through the hard times, to again find joy, and to identify personal strengths. I appreciate the love and care shown by all of the session facilitators, volunteers, and participants. Thank you to Dr. Pottinger for creating such a meaningful experience!
This is a wonderful organization. I partner with CHARM to offer horseback riding for families participating in Camp Druzy, and I see first-hand the incredible impact CHARM has on the children and families. The bond between the families is lovely to witness, and I can see the strength, compassion, and peace that the participants receive from the camp’s activities, information, and especially from the relationships the organization works hard to build.
Camp Druzy was an amazing experience. People came that were so sad and heavy hearted. And as the weekend progressed you could just see the burdens lift and their hearts start healing. I'm so thankful have been a part of it.
Es una experiencia excelente para las personas que pasamos por periodos de duelo en diferentes niveles, en el caso de nuestra familia fue más allá de nuestro dolor y nos ayudó tanto de manera espiritual mental y física a conocer nuestro interior ,poder sacar dolores, ser resilientes y realistas en tiempo actual gracias a charm y a todos los voluntarios y patrocinadores.que Dios les siga bendiciendo
Camp Druzy was such a positive experience for my family and I. The loss of my mother has been so difficult and took a tremendous toll on us. We didn’t think we’d ever feel joy again because even in good times all we could think of was our detrimental loss. Attending camp taught us to channel our loss and feel her spirit in different ways from yoga, music therapy, reiki, and more! Heidi and her team were such a wonderful support system. They’ve all experienced loss too and were wonderful guides and mentors to help us and many other grieving families. From that weekend forward, we feel my mom in everything we do and find comfort knowing she’s still with us in a sense. I highly recommend this camp to anyone who has experienced loss and needs guidance or simply is looking for an opportunity to learn how to cope. CHARM is a top notch nonprofit led by the beautiful and professional, Dr. Heidi Pottinger.
I invited CHARM to share their presentation with students at my summer program. The students enjoyed the bracelet making activity and the topics discussed resonated with them. One of my students continues to wear his bracelet even after the program ended
! They also learned that CHARM is a great resource in our community for children and families and I look forward to invite them again next year for a new group of students!
I attended camp this summer not knowing what to expect. I had never been to anything like this before so I was a bit nervous… but everything changed as soon as I got there. Camp changed my life in the best way possible. It helped me gain coping skills for my losses, be more independent & I made a lot of new friends. I could write a book full of the wonderful adventures & activities I experienced. For example, yoga & Reiki were definitely among my favorites along with making bracelets. I also learned how amazing it is when a community gets together & supports one another. Everything was organized so perfectly thanks to their lovely Founder & Executive Director Dr. Heidi Pottinger. Thanks to her, we all had a place to go to where we could have a shoulder to cry on & not feel so alone through our losses. I can honestly say that Camp Druzy made me comfortable enough to open my heart. I was able to share personal experiences which I received lots of love & kindness afterwards from everyone who participated. I was so at peace & felt utter bliss every day that I woke up & attended. For the first time I truly felt loved, supported & heard. This was genuinely one of the most magical experiences I have ever had & I say that truthfully & wholeheartedly. I’m eternally grateful & I’m looking forward to future events.
Amazing! The camp is the brainchild of Dr. Heidi Pottinger. She fills the weekends with heartfelt experiences from meditation to the heart to healing with horses in order to heal the hearts and spirits of children& their families who have lost loved ones. As a volunteer, I was constantly moved by the love & compassion that surrounded & held the participants. The volunteers were exceptional! Long May Camp Druzy exist to soothe broken hearts & teach tools to repair grieving spirits. Rhonda B. Freed
My name is Kelley and on my property, I met Heidi and she had called earlier to ask if she could bring her kids and families and walk my labyrinth.
I said sure and saw them in our bosque and after a while, I went to talk with them. They were all very delightful! I found out about CHARM and what they did for people and I was very impressed with Heidi. She said I could join them for lunch the next day and I had told them I juggled. The next day I brought my juggling equipment and gave them all a demonstration. I wasnt sure they would try it but long story short everyone joined in to learn to juggle. Juggling gives people a fabulous feeling of accomplishment after learning to do something very few people know how to do.
Anyway, it is a wonderful group and I saw people of all ages having smiles on their faces and laughing and having a good time.
Hiedi was amazing!
La experiencia del campamento y los caballos fue muy especial para mi y nieta. Muchas gracias de Parte de Letty y Heidi Villa
Child Health and Resilience Mastery (CHARM) is a wonderful organization. They are so sincere and kind in each interaction with the families they serve. As a volunteer, I felt respected and appreciated as we worked together to create a nurturing environment in which children and their families could grow together.
We had a great experience at Camp Druzy!
My kids and me enjoy all the activities, everybody was really friendly and kind.
We love it!!!
CHARM is a wonderful organization that helps children and families heal, be strong, and come through tough times strong and compassionate.
I volunteer for CHARM as a photographer. Most recently I got to take pictures at Camp Druzy, a weekend retreat in Tubac, Arizona. Several families attended. All ages were represented.
It's pretty breath-taking seeing folks smile and even laugh, sometimes for the first time in months. It's inspiring to see healing in action.
I was also impressed with the volunteer professionals who were there for no other reason than to help other people discover and learn some personal tools to get past a difficult, often tragic, time in their lives.
CHARM deserves support.
A fellow volunteer asked how my photography was coming that morning. I told her that it's not easy, but I love when my own tears blur my camera's viewfinder when I'm trying for a shot that might tell CHARM's important story.
I've had a few really wonderful and meaningful experiences with CHARM! Both as a volunteer and also as a client!
CHARM was involved in helping a Boy Scout earn his ranking of Eagle Scout. They came together on the idea of doing a meditative labyrinth for the kids that attend Camp Druzy. They reached out to me for some design help and I was lucky enough to be a part of a really positive, impressive project that I know will benefit the spiritual health of these children. It was of such pure intention from the start and everyone came together to help accomplish a very beautiful goal. It was an uplifting and inspirational experience.
Another great experience for me happened when I reached out to Dr. Heidi Pottinger to help me get in touch with my spirit guides. She did a reiki treatment on me to help open me up and be more available to receive divine messages. During this treatment I was thinking of my loved ones and I was actually able to FEEL their presence. I also experienced this extreme cold feeling on my forehead--and we were out in the bright sunshine---she explained that sensation was my 3rd eye opening!! Since then I have received SO MANY divine messages! Its amazing.
I also just recently had another super cool participation experience with CHARM during a Spirit Animal session hosted by Dani McFarland. This session really opened my eyes on the guiding spirits around us, the messages they send and how to interpret them. It was all so positive and reaffirming and seemed to be just what I was looking for.
The people who created and are involved with CHARM all really truly care about living healthy and happy and do everything they possibly can to organize, create and teach so that they can help others thrive. Again, everything I've seen with CHARM has been just of the Purest Intentions ever.
As a volunteer for Camp Druzy we had an incredible experience with the activities planned. The biggest impact was being able to connect with the families and children participating. From yoga and meditation to creating your empowerment mask it was an amazing moment. I am excited to collaborate with them again in the future and look forward to the impact they make.
CHARM's CAMP DRUZY was a fun filled outlet this summer where kids were encouraged to dream, create and think big! We really enjoyed the hands on activities and learning about Reiki! It was an honor to lead campers in learning about digital stories ! Thank you for the opportuity!
I am a board member because I believe in their mission. This organization brings much needed social emotional resources to children who are more challenged to receive this from their current life circumstances. This is an organization dedicated to furthering the culture of the heart in my opinion. Love CHARM!!!
I am on the advisory board and have served as a volunteer . The work of this nonprofit is grounded in research designed to bring about optimum benefits for those it serves. Mary Helen Maley, Retired Judge
They did a great job with the camp. My boy’s are still talking about the camp asking if they can do it again. The camp can make a difference in these young kids Lives
I was asked to create a plant based breakfast box for the families. I am the owner/operator Tilted Halos Vegan & Gluten-Free Desserts. CHARM asked that I create a breakfast with items that represented colors in the rainbow. I was delighted to provide empanadas, muffins and breakfast cookies for the families utilizing fresh fruits. Both Megan and Heidi were professional and kind while communicating their vision. I’m honored to have been apart of this mission and look forward to hopefully working with CHARM in the future.
I had to pleasure of working with CHARM on their recent “Camp Druzy”. I’m truly touched by this wonderful non profit. Love and nurturing resiliency through health promoting ways to children and families who have lost or been separated from a parent or close family member. This organization is doing beautiful things.
The CHARM nonprofit is magical. I had the honor of teaching yoga to the children at Camp Druzy. I was so impressed by the professionalism of the team and all of the amazing activities they had for children of all different ages. And the kids, were delightful. We need more programs like this to help our children in difficult times. Love you Campers and Camp Druzy!!!!
Marla Hodes
I had a healing session with the head of CHARM and it was transformative to say the least. I experienced an actual physical connection to my ancestors (I could literally feel them touching me) and their spirits in the room with me was overwhelming. Knowing now, with no doubt, they are with me, I am able to bring this session back to mind when I need to feel their presence to calm me. Nothing short of miraculous!
As a Medical Provider who works with the Migrant Community, and having done research on Cultural Implications of Grief and Bereavement, I am proud of the offerings that Child Health & Resilience Mastery (CHARM) accomplishes for the children in the Santa Cruz County communities. Providing real resources, guidance, and direction to help children achieve resilience in today's world is a most admirable goal, with observable outcomes. I am so proud to serve on the Advisory Board of this NonProfit Organization.
Audrey Russell-Kibble, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP
CHARM is an incredible organization that is spreading love and working to change the lives of many children in Arizona!
My summer program truly enjoyed CHARM's presentation on Choose Love. They are an amazing group that is using creative ways of expression to help our community. Can't wait to invite them back next year and continue our partnership.
This charity is amazing! They help children who have lost a caregiver by empowering them to grieve in healthy ways. This organization takes place in my hometown Nogales AZ and it’s amazing to see how this non-profit is changing the lives of so many children/families! They are teaching the community the power of love. Nothing is stronger than that.
The founders of CHARM are dedicated to their mission and have the experience and knowledge to support their efforts to support children and families to build resiliency.
CHARM is led by two incredible leaders who exemplify and model daily their mission of empowering children and families to strengthen their resilience in health-promoting ways. As the founder of a non-profit dedicating to providing social and emotional intelligence to everyone, I recognize courageous leaders who work tirelessly to help create a better world. CHARM partnered with the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement and has spread our program throughout Arizona and now are lifelong friends as well as business partners and collaborators. I am thrilled to write this review for CHARM and to support their efforts moving forward 100%! Thank you CHARM!!!
CHARM cares and is working with our community to teach resilience! Finally, an organization that our families deserve and need!
It has been such an honor to work with an organization that focuses on empowering our youth and families with valuable and practical tools to help overcome difficulties. I wish CHARM existed when I was growing up.
I am so proud to support and volunteer for CHARM in their mission to improve children’s health outcomes by spreading love and resilience. Everyone I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with has been so kind and thoughtful. I look forward to watching this organization grow and reach more people and families in Nogales and throughout Arizona.
CHARM has the most purely loving mission of bringing forth the greatness of resiliency in children. They are masters of this realm and are inspiring mastery.
I had the pleasure of recently attending an inspirational event hosted by CHARM !! It's an honor to be associated with such a wonderful organization who’s hard work helps our community by promoting a more positive-focused life to all family members.