Coping and Connecting Resources

A Guide for Teens and Families during Unprecedented Times & Beyond
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents 2
Technology for Teens 3
YouTube Channels 8
Podcasts 9
Fun Things to Learn & Do 11
Making a Difference 13
Coping Resources & Support 16
Support for Parents/Caregivers 18
Other Resources 20

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TECHNOLOGY FOR TEENS

Tech can help you learn to speak Mandarin, play guitar and write your own stories. It can also
remind you stop, breathe and become mindful.

For Relaxing

Stop, Breathe, & Think

• Check in with how you are feeling and try short, relaxing activities
tuned in to your emotions.

• Version for younger kids as well!

Aura

• Aura walks teens through 3-minute meditations to help you calm

and destress. You let Aura know how you're feeling, and the app
chooses the best meditation for you.

• Aura also offers mood tracking and daily reminders for breathing
exercises.

Poly Island: Color by Number

• Sit back, relax and enjoy beautiful color-by-number puzzle games just
for you.

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For

 Creativity

Autodesk Sketchbook

• An impressive creation tool for anyone who loves to draw.

A fully featured app with an arsenal of tools for creating
digital art.

Procreate Art App

• Great art tool for individuals looking to get into digital

creation.

Online Acting Workshops for Kids and Adults

• Acting lessons for everyone

Beginner Guitar Lessons

• Free guitar lessons that start at the very beginning steps.

Scratch

• Free guitar lessons that start at the very beginning steps.

Writing, Journaling, and Blogging Tools - List of great resources to use for those
who love to (or want to love to) write.

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For Learning 

• Duolingo - Learn a new language at your own

pace!
• Photomath - Learn how to solve math problems,
check homework assignments and study for
upcoming exams and ACTs/SATs. It works without
wi-fi, and is both PC and Mac friendly. 
• Socratic- Ask Socratic a question and the app will
find the best online resources for you to learn the
concepts. Supports most high school subjects. 
• Virtual School Day - Program launched by Varsity
Tutors, a virtual education site, to educate children
who are home from school during the COVID-19
pandemic.
• Amazing Educational Resources - from pre-K to
college (shared by educators). 

For Exercise

• Nike Training Club - Nike has waived their

premium service fee indefinitely due to COVID-19.
Now, you have access to more than 185 workouts
(yoga, cardio and more), as well as nutrition and
wellness guidance!
• Peloton App  - Creates workouts for you and you
are able to select what category, including yoga/
cross-fit/running (free 30 day trial)

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For Cooking

• Self-Quarantine Recipes - list of easy recipes with basic ingredients in most homes.
• Project Foodie: Guided Cooking - breaks down recipes step-by-step with the help of
a professional chef.

For Socializing

Host a Netflix viewing party

◦ Use a free Google Chrome
extension (Netflix Party) to
sync video playback so
you can watch and pause
at the same time. It also
has a group chat feature.

◦ Use a free Google Chrome extension (TwoSeven), similar to Netflix Party,

except you can video chat to see your friends while watching. You can also use
Hulu or other video streaming accounts!


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Games with Friends/Family


◦ Bunch: Group Video Chat & Games - A group

video chat with friends while playing games.
Bunch comes bundled with several multiplayer
games you can play with friends, such as trivia,
bunch pool, draw party, and more!
◦ Houseparty - Face to Face Social Network - A
group Facetime call that allows you to play
games while social distancing with your
friends
◦ Psych! - An exciting game to play with your
friends! Choose from a variety of fun
categories in which each player makes up fake
answers to real trivia questions. Can you
choose the outrageous real answer among
your friends’ fakes? 
◦ Kahoot - Create a Kahoot or select from the
100’s of categories and start a group Zoom to play with all of your friends/family.

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YOUTUBE CHANNELS
Every day, over a billion learning-related videos are viewed on YouTube. Below you’ll find
some of the best channels on YouTube for coping with COVID and pretty much everything
else.

COVID Specific: Cooking:

• Babylon Health: A mini • Bon Appétit
playlist of videos for
coping in a pandemic • Tasty

• Above the Noise: From For Content Creating:

how to deal with family
Quick Tips for Filming with
stress during quarantine
to busting COVID Your Phone
Entertainment: myths, this is a great
channel for resources.

• Good Mythical Morning Educational:

• Brave Wilderness • The King of Random - A

basic “how to” channel!
• OK Go • Dad, how do I? -
Tutorials on how to do
• Vlogbrothers things you may usually
ask your dad!
• Daily Dose of Internet
• How to Adult
• BuzzFeedVideo
• HISTORY
• As/Is

• REACT

• Jubilee

• Mr.Beast

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PODCASTS
Podcasting is like the love-child of radio and Netflix. Imagine your favorite radio programs
downloaded on to your favorite listening device (computer, smart phone, iPod, they all
work) and you're imagining a podcast. Most podcasts are episodic and release new
material at regular intervals. By subscribing to podcasts they will appear on your favorite
listening device each time a new episode is released. If you like talk radio or news radio or
audiobooks, you'll like podcasting.

you never thought you wanted to know

(but do) — from the economics of sleep to
how to become great at just about
anything.


Science Mystery
Radiolab- Investigate our strange world! 

60-Second Science
 Criminal- Stories of people who've done
wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught
History somewhere in the middle.

Revisionist History - Reinterpret something Spooked- True life supernatural stories!

from the past: an event; a person; an idea; My Favorite Murder - A lighthearted
something overlooked; something podcast filled with stories of hometown
misunderstood.  horrors! 

Stuff You Missed in History Class
 Serial - All about the American criminal
justice system (focuses around specific
stories every season).

Fun


StoryCorps - Uplifting, Honest,

Intergenerational, Stories and interviews
from all over the country.
Economics
Freakonomics - Tells you things you always 

thought you knew (but didn’t) and things

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Stories Coping in Difficult Times

This American Life - Each week they choose Teen Wealth - Regularly shares stories, tips,
a theme and put together different kinds of and advice about eating disorders, mental
stories on that theme health, self-esteem and a host of other
topics
Lore Podcast - Each episode examines a
new dark historical tale in a modern The Dark Place - Offers a safe place where
campfire experience. people can relate, share stories, express
themselves openly and candidly about their
Everyday Knowledge struggles, their successes, and resources

Stuff you should know- - Learn about for help

random, fun topics, like how dogs perceive Mental - Breaks down the stigmas
time, the history of mullets, and more! associated with mental health and the
Life Kit - Useful tools for life. discrimination that occurs against those
who suffer
Comedy
Hardcore Self Help - A mental health
Dear Hank & John - Hosts John and Hank podcast that gives coping mechanisms,
Green answer listener questions and offer ways to change, etc.
dubious advice.

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FUN THINGS TO LEARN & DO


Below you’ll find a potpourri of fun activities and learning opportunities for the whole family.

• Parks Place Family Resource Guide - Academic resources, virtual field trips, wellness
and creativity activities. 
• Weston University Resource Guide - Online games, virtual art activities, virtual
museum field trips, and outdoor fun!
• Skribbl.io  - Free, Multiplayer drawing game you can play with a large group
virtually


Outdoors


• Growing ResilienceVT  - Makes it easier for everyone to access the local resources
necessary to pursue gardening this growing season - for beginners to experts.
• Things kids can do outside-   Harris Center for Conservation Education 
• Nature-based virtual connection- Cheshire Conservation: Explore national parks,
participate in virtual field trips, or watch zoo animal live cams (and more!).
• Growing Food and More- Shelburne Farm


Indoors
• Vermont Museums & Art Centers and Beyond - Found in Windham Regional
COVID-19 Resources 
• Famous Museums with virtual tours- Take a look at some of the top museums
offering online tours and exhibits.
• Google Arts & Culture - Google is offering virtual
tours of places all around the world (any where you
could dream of!)
• 92Y - A World-Class Cultural & Community Center -
Online events usually held at the 92 Y in NYC. Past
performances, live events, celebrity interviews, online
courses for both kids and adults and more offered all
remotely.

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• Broadway Shows - Stream your favorite Broadway shows with a free 7 day trial 
• Free Online Courses - Ivy League Schools have partnered together to create online
courses covering many subjects that are offered free to the public. They are self-
paced and can be a great introduction to college courses. 
• Livestream Activities Calendar- For all ages, but mostly geared to younger children.
• https://foursciencevt.org/ - VINS, ECHO, Fairbanks, and Montshire have developed
this partnership to offer inter-institutional support, guidance, coordination, and
strategic development of STEM experiences for Vermonters in this time of crisis.
• Participate in a book exchange- With a group of friends, send each other your
favorite book(s)! Or start a book club and discuss the book on Zoom or Facetime,
(also many facebook pages for book clubs).

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

This is an unprecedented time in human history. Lend your voice and talents and shape the
future you want to see unfold.

Environment


• Community Trash Clean Up- This document contains instructions for how to clean up
areas around you with family and/or friends.
• Sunrise Movement - This youth-led climate change organization has been making
headlines the past two years, most notably for being behind the push for a Green New
Deal.

Leadership


• 9to26VT- A collective, action-oriented group working in partnership to achieve positive

outcomes for all youth, ages 9-26, so they can reach their full potential. Their goal is to
build a more holistic approach to youth development; with an even stronger focus on
youth voice and youth rights.


• UNICEF Voices of Youth- An organization set up by UNICEF to help children from across
the world exchange knowledge and ideas. Children and adolescents can explore,
discuss and partner on issues related to human rights and social change, as well as
develop their awareness, leadership, and community building skills.


• Young Writers Project - YWP is a community of young writers and artists who create and
connect online and revolves around three core areas -- the website, publications, and
workshops -- for young people between ages 13 and 19.


• Youth Lobby - A grassroots coalition of youth from across Vermont working together in
partnership with our legislators, community members, nonprofits and other
organizations, to affect the change younger generations are demanding.


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Anti-Racism

• Anti-Racism Resources- This document is intended to serve as a resource to white

people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work.


• Black Lives Matter Resources- This document lists ways you can support the movement
by signing petitions, texting, calling, donating, and more!


• Lost River Racial Justice-Solidarity Action Steps for White People - An action plan that
addresses immediate harms,
injustice and inequities; push for
long-term systemic change;
mobilize and educate other
white people; and do our own
learning and healing.


• Information and Resources on

the Black Lives Matter Protests - A
guide explaining the importance
of protests, ways to donate, other
ways to support and educational
resources on the Black Lives Matter movement. 


• Anguish and Action - Obama Foundation - A guide created in collaboration with former
President Obama to promote resources and information about the unjust murders of
black lives in America. There are ways to donate, places to get engaged, videos to
watch, petitions to sign and so much more.

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Activism and Civic Engagement:

• Civil Discourse Online - (by Common Sense Education): Cameron Kasky, one of the
survivors of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and a March for Our Lives
activist, offers some lessons learned and advice for having political discussions
online.


• 10 Ways Youth Can Engage in Activism (by ADL) - Share these methods with
students to give them an outlet for their political passions.


• Volunteer Opportunities in Windham County- Look through a long list of

opportunities to volunteer in Windham County!


• The Backfire Effect (by the Oatmeal) - This humorous, web-based comic explains
how our brains are wired to resist facts that challenge our world views. While it
doesn't offer any easy answers to this issue, it encourages us to be open to new
ideas.


• StoryCorps App - Tell your story, interview someone else.

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COPING RESOURCES &

SUPPORT

• The notOK App™ - A free app that takes the guesswork out of asking for help when
you're feeling vulnerable. We'll notify your trusted contacts that they've been
selected as your support group, so when the time comes and you need to reach out,
you'll just have to open the app and press the large, red notOK™ button. Features:
Peer Support from your trusted contacts; simple message to take the guesswork out
of asking for help; immediate help with notOK’s one tap solution; accurate GPS
location; and trusted contacts are not required to download app.


• 7 Cups - 7 Cups offers free anonymous emotional

support and counseling from trained active
listeners. There are real listeners available 24/7
and it's completely free. There is an option to pay
for actual therapists as well.


• Teen Support Group | Vermont - Will hold space

for each other to share deep emotions, and learn
skills such as mindfulness meditation, relationship
skills, nonviolent communication, emotional
processing, goal setting and follow through, and
decision making.


• Mobile Counseling is offering counseling long or short term to anyone ages 8 to 80

for FREE or a small donation. They have a temporary license to do telehealth
approved by the State of Vermont. Tina Tarryk, MS MHC, PhD(c) 833-246-6624


• Mental Health Resource Guide - The resources included in this guide represent a
spectrum of queer competencies, ranging from queer-friendly services to providers
that specialize in queer issues. 


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• National LGBT-Supportive Organizations (U.S.) (by LGBT Youth Allies) - An excellent

roundup of LGBTQ organizations, usefully broken into those that focus on young
people and those that have broader missions.

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SUPPORT FOR PARENTS/

CAREGIVERS

• Parent Tips- WHO - To help parents interact constructively with their children during this
time of confinement, these six 1-page tips for parents cover planning one-on-one time,
staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behavior, managing stress, and
talking about COVID-19. Use them to you and your kids’ advantage, and have fun in
doing so.


• Online Parent Support Community - Families are facing unprecedented challenges due
to circumstances surrounding #COVID19. In response, @partnershipdrugfree invites you
to join a new community for parents and caregivers who may have children
experimenting with, or dependent on, substances. 


• Mobile Counseling is offering counseling long or short term to anyone ages 8 to 80 for
FREE or a small donation. They have a temporary license to do telehealth approved by
the State of Vermont. 

Tina Tarryk, MS MHC, PhD(c) 833-246-6624


• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network- Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping

Families Cope with the Coronavirus (Covid-19)


• How to Help Teens Shelter in Place - Advice for parents struggling to explain why
isolation is important for teens and why developmentally isolation is hard for
adolescents. 


• My Family Matters videos - Topics including self-care, structure, conflict resolution, self-
assertion, trauma. 


• Parenting Guide of LGBTQ+ Teens - Resources, terms, and tips from local LGBTQ+
teens. 

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• Common Sense Media- Helps parents with suggestions of age-appropriateness on all

things media.


• Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Online Parental Control- To help you have some control over
what your children have access to online. 


• Parent Up VT - Tools  for parents/caregivers to help you guide your teen as they navigate
the challenges of substances, as well as mental health. 


• Discussing Racial Injustice and Police Brutality  - This is an active list of resources to help
you talk and think about it with kids! Created by WSESU Diversity and Equity Committee in
solidarity with the People and Black Lives Matter.


• Parenteen Connect provides tools for parents and teens to connect and communicate.
Loaded with engaging videos, quizzes, and practical advice, students and their families
gain new perspectives and strategies to get on the same page about the typically tough
topics of screen time, independence, responsibility, and communication.

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OTHER RESOURCES

• Coping with Covid-19 Stress: VT Department of Health


• VT Helplink Alcohol & Drug Support Center - Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, weekends/holidays

8am-6pm 

802-565-LINK(5465) and toll free at 833-565-LINK(5465); VTHelplink.org


• HCRS Warm Line - 1-800-917-1622.  The Warm Line will operate from 7:30 am – 10:30
pm daily.

Now open to Community. The Phone line is staffed by professionals to offer support
to people who are struggling to cope with the increased stress and anxiety resulting
from the COVID-19 public health crisis.


• Brattleboro Hospice: Free support for anyone grieving the death of a loved one


• Windham Regional COVID-19 Resources - This resource guide was created to offer a
streamlined place to obtain information about a variety of supports across the
Windham Region. 

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An enormous debt of gratitude is owed Meghan Gauss & Maia Hirsch

for the research and compilation of this resource guide.

Our many thanks to the Southern Vermont Area Heath Education

Center for their continuing support .

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