In celebration of Juneteenth and the joy of summer break, Loving Hands Children’s Home hosted a magical Sanctuary Under The Stars event – a healing, empowering, and joy-filled experience for our children, families, and community.
The festivities kicked off on June 9th with an epic Water Blaster Splash – an all-out water play celebration to mark the end of the school year! With water jumpers, balloons (special thanks to Iana!), and endless laughter, the kids soaked up every moment of fun.
We gathered for good food, music, and movement, with delicious barbecue, lively dancing, and creative moments tie-dyeing shirts in vibrant colors. The energy was electric as families connected through games and relay races—using ping pong balls, sponges, mason jars, and buckets in splashy team challenges designed to build laughter, teamwork, and summer magic.
As the sun set, we settled in for our Outdoor Movie Night under the stars, featuring Black Panther 2. Families cozied up in tents, camp-style, enjoying campfire meals and s’mores while reflecting on the powerful messages of the film. We discussed community strength, resilience, and the urgent need to uplift and protect communities of color—drawing parallels between Wakanda and our own fight for justice and unity.
The evening also included heartfelt moments of mindfulness and healing: an energy clearing session, bubble meditation, and breathwork exercises helped children and caregivers manage stress and learn tools for emotional balance. These moments reminded us of the importance of calm, connection, and caring for our inner world in times of uncertainty.
The night was capped with silly and fun stories, late-night giggles, and a shared sense of peace beneath the stars. Our Sanctuary Under The Stars wasn’t just an event—it was a movement in love, learning, and liberation.
🌟 Benefits of the LHCH Sanctuary Under The Stars Event star 🌟
1. Emotional Healing & Stress Relief
Through energy clearing, bubble meditation, and breathwork practices, children and families learned healthy coping tools to process stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll of current events. These simple but powerful techniques empowered participants to regulate their emotions and create calm during uncertain times.
2. Cultural Empowerment & Education
By celebrating Juneteenth and screening Black Panther 2, the event created a powerful space to reflect on Black excellence, legacy, and liberation. The guided discussion helped children understand their cultural roots and current social challenges, promoting pride, awareness, and resilience.
3. Community Building
The relay games, team activities, and campfire conversations fostered connection, collaboration, and community spirit. Children worked together, shared laughs, and built friendships, while families engaged in conversations about how to support one another and uplift their communities in times of need.
4. Physical Activity & Play
From water games to sponge relays and outdoor dancing, the event offered much-needed movement and play, encouraging kids to be active, joyful, and adventurous. This promoted physical well-being while also enhancing gross motor skills and teamwork.
5. Safe, Inclusive Fun
The Sanctuary created a safe space for medically fragile and emotionally sensitive children to engage in summer fun without fear or exclusion. Every activity was tailored with care to ensure inclusion, accessibility, and safety for all participants.
6. Creativity & Expression
Creative outlets like tie-dye shirt making, storytelling, and music allowed children to express themselves freely and joyfully. These moments built confidence and gave participants a chance to explore their unique identities through color, art, and sound.
7. Life Skills & Safety Education
Through fire safety instruction, tent setup, and shared meal prep around the campfire, children practiced valuable life skills while learning how to stay safe in outdoor settings and group environments.
8. Family Bonding & Shared Memories
Most importantly, the event created beautiful shared memories that nurtured the bond between children, caregivers, staff, and community. These experiences deepen trust, build relationships, and remind our youth that they are surrounded by love, support, and purpose.