A Hands-On Brave Day for Kids

POKE PALS CLINIC

A hands-on medical-preparation experience for children

Poke Pals Clinic gives children a chance to explore medical equipment, practice communication and coping, and learn what to expect—before an actual procedure has to be completed.

Children move through six guided preparation stations in a small group of up to five participants.

No blood draws or invasive procedures are performed.

PRACTICE WITHOUT PROCEDURE PRESSURE

An actual medical appointment is not always the best place to encounter unfamiliar equipment and sensations for the first time.

During Poke Pals Clinic, children can:

• Explore at their own pace
• Ask questions
• Watch before participating
• Practice communication
• Try coping tools
• Make meaningful choices
• Take breaks
• Skip an activity they are not ready to try

The goal is not to require cooperation or eliminate every fear.

The goal is to help children begin their next medical encounter with more familiarity, language, choice, and trust.

THE POKE PALS PASSPORT

Each child receives a Poke Pals Passport to guide their experience.

Children can record discoveries, identify preferences, collect a stamp at each station they choose to visit, and create a preparation plan they can bring home.

Participation—not perfect completion—is what counts.

SIX STATIONS TO EXPLORE:

MEET THE HELPERS

Explore common medical tools such as a stethoscope, blood-pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, thermometer, otoscope, and reflex hammer.

MY AMAZING BODY

Learn what common measurements mean and choose whether to explore height, weight, heart rate, pulse oximetry, or blood pressure.

STUFFY’S CHECK-UP

Become the helper. Practice with a stuffed animal using child-safe medical-preparation materials such as bandages, gauze, wrap, alcohol-wipe packaging, and a tourniquet.

BREATHING AND REGULATION

Practice simple breathing and regulation activities, then create a colorful take-home pinwheel.

MY COPING AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

Explore coping choices and communication options. Identify what may help, what does not help, and how to communicate “ready,” “stop,” “hurt,” “help,” or “more time.”

BANDAGE BOUTIQUE

Choose a favorite bandage style and become familiar with one of the small but memorable parts of medical care.

Children may participate in the stations that are appropriate for them. No child is required to complete every activity.

WHAT CAREGIVERS SHOULD KNOW

• Groups are limited to five children.
• A caregiver remains present and responsible for their child.
• Poke Pals is not childcare, therapy, medical treatment, or a clinical appointment.
• No needles, blood draws, injections, or invasive procedures are performed.
• Children may observe, participate, pause, or decline an activity.
• A diagnosis is not required.
• Specific age ranges and participation requirements may vary by event.
• Caregivers should share relevant accessibility or safety needs during registration.

Poke Pals cannot guarantee that a future procedure will be completed successfully. The workshop provides preparation and practice—not a test of bravery or cooperation.

BRAVE DOES NOT MEAN UNAFRAID

At Poke Pals, brave may mean:

• Looking from across the room
• Asking a question
• Touching one new object
• Saying “not yet”
• Requesting a break
• Trying a coping strategy
• Communicating a boundary
• Returning to try again later

Every child’s participation can look different.

CURRENT WORKSHOP AVAILABILITY

Poke Pals™ is currently seeking its first pediatric-practice pilot partner.

The pilot workshop will be offered at no cost to the participating practice and families. Future workshops may be supported by pediatric practices, healthcare organizations, grants, or community sponsors so families can participate without paying directly.

No public workshop date is currently scheduled.