We believe that when cancer happens, it happens to the entire family. Noogieland offers social and emotional support to each family member. Our members are:
- a child/teen of someone who has cancer
- a sibling of someone who has cancer
- a cousin, niece, nephew, grandchild, neighbor or friend of someone with cancer
- a child/teen with cancer
- a child/teen who has lost someone to cancer
Noogieland is a separate building adjacent to the club house that offers a supportive environment. Noogieland is named after the noogies Bill Murray gave to Gilda Radnor on Saturday Night Live. It is filled with toys, books, games, and art supplies. The programs are organized by the Noogieland Coordinator and trained volunteers.
In Noogieland, children & teens find healthy ways to express their feelings. They get to laugh and play with other children/teens who can relate to what they are experiencing. They support each other with their “expertise” about living with cancer. We offer weekly, monthly and annual special events that provide our young members with inspiration and hope. We also have a room designated just for teens. Most of our teen groups are held in this room.
Our programs include (see the calendar for scheduling and more information):
- Kid Support – a 10 week peer support group for kids 4-11 who have cancer in their lives.
- Teen Support – a peer support group for teens 12-18 who have cancer in their lives.
- Parent Networking – a group for the parents of Kid Support and Teen Support Members. It runs simultaneously with these groups.
- Kids Living with Loss – a group for kids 4-11 who have lost someone to cancer.
- Teens Living with Loss – a group for teens 12-18 who have lost someone to cancer.
- Noogie Nights -Fun, open play nights for children & teens whose parents are attending a club house event.
- Toddler Time – a group for toddlers to play, sing songs, explore music and do arts and crafts.
- Kids in the Kitchen/Teens in the Kitchen – Our members get the opportunity to follow a recipe and create a snack in our kitchen (yours stays clean!).
- Noogie Fest – our annual Halloween party for children, teens, family and friends. We have a blast every year! Lots of games, yucky stuff to touch and tons of food. Check the October calendar for scheduling.
- Gilda’s Railway – Outside, behind our playground, Gilda’s Castle, we have an outdoor railway. Members of the Bristol Railroad Society take care of the tracks and run our Bachmann trains (donated by Bachmann Trains) on our Bachmann Train Garden. The trains are run on most special events and in the summer. See calendar for schedule or call the clubhouse.
- Saturday Specials – We have some special events that take place on Saturdays. Each one has a different theme. See calendar for schedule and details.
Noogieland is especially designed to be available while parents attend clubhouse programs. We require at least 24 hours advance notification if you wish to bring your child into Noogieland. If you wish to sign your child/teen up for a Noogieland program, please do so at least 24 hours in advance.
Please see the current Noogieland Program Calendar for this month’s activities.
Our music activities have been supported by a grant from the Michael Manzella Foundation.
 Here is a Glossary of Terms to help you understand some of the words you hear about cancer. |