Bretton Dabous Known as: Kinder Grove. Bretton is a father, partner, artist, Child and Youth Worker, and Master of Social Work student with over a decade of experience creating meaningful and engaging spaces for young people. From his experiences as a camp counselor, mental health clinician, and long-time Brushwood attendee, Bretton has developed a passion for group facilitation, arts-based programming, and fostering connection through ritual and play. As a part of Kinder Grove, Bretton hopes to bring creativity, knowledge, and a touch of joyful mischief to the 2025 Children’s Rituals.
Children’s Air Ritual – The Origin of Ideas. Soar into the realm of Air, the element of ideas, imagination, and limitless possibilities! In this playful and rhythmic ritual, children will explore how Air carries our ideas, hopes, and words into the world. We will greet and introduce Air, share a story related to the element, and find a beat to carry us through the week in a children’s drum & music circle where we will learn a song for ritual (Bring your instruments if you have them or borrow some of ours!). Afterward, we’ll enjoy an airy snack, clean up, and offer our gratitude to Air for inspiring hope & new ideas. Ages 0-12. Child Friendly (5-11) with Parent. Sirius Rising: 5:00-6:30 p.m. MON, July 21 At shrines
Children’s Fire Ritual – The Spark of Inspiration. Ignite your spirit with the spark of Fire, the element of inspiration, energy, and conviction! In this ritual, children will explore how Fire inspires and fuels our ideas and hopes. After greeting and honoring Fire, we’ll read a fiery tale, then take part in an activity where each child will create a vessel to carry sacred flames in this evening’s fire ritual at the roundhouse or at home. We’ll enjoy a fireside snack, clean up, and give thanks to Fire for giving us the conviction to act on our ideas and inspire others with our light. Ages 0-12. Child Friendly (5-11) with Parent. Sirius Rising: 5:00-6:30 p.m. TUE, July 22 At shrines
Children’s Water Ritual – The Flow of Collaboration. Flow into the energy of Water, the element of collaboration, emotions, and creation! Just as rivers, lakes, and oceans move together in harmony, children will explore how Water teaches us to work as one, adapt. After greeting and honoring Water, we’ll read a water themed story, then engage in a playful, water-themed activity where we’ll move, play, and flow together in the spirit of community. We’ll finish with a refreshing snack, clean up, and express gratitude to Water for its lessons in unity. Ages 0-12. Child Friendly (5-11) with Parent. Sirius Rising: 5:00-6:30 p.m. WED, July 23 At shrines
Children’s Earth Ritual – The Path of Stewardship. Root yourself in the steady embrace of Earth, the element of community, growth, and stability! In this ritual, children will explore how Earth forms the foundation of our communities and how each of us are an important part of the community. After greeting and honoring Earth, we’ll tell a magical myth of Earth, then take part in a hands-on activity that connects us to the magic of growing things. We’ll enjoy an earthy snack, clean up, and offer gratitude to Earth for supporting and empowering all that we build. Ages 0-12. Child Friendly (5-11) with Parent. Sirius Rising: 5:00-6:30 p.m. THU, July 24 At shrines
Children’s Spirit Ritual & Labyrinth Walk – the Magic of Friendship. Come celebrate Spirit, the essence that connects all elements & each of us together, weaving all of the elements into a greater whole. After welcoming and honoring Spirit through story and song, children will explore the magic of connection and belonging in a non-traditional, lively labyrinth walk. We will journey through the labyrinth with song and dance to wake the ancestors, making representations of the friends & community at camp to carry throughout the year, embracing the wisdom of the path and the energy that unites all things. Ages 0-12. Child Friendly (5-11) with Parent. Sirius Rising: 5:00-6:30 p.m. FRI, July 25 At shrines