Section 1: Introduction

This Caring Clown Manual was designed to teach clowns how to go that extra step to become a Caring Clown.  It provides information from how to get your ‘clown shoe in the door’ of a medical setting to what you should do once you are inside.  There are sections on working with special populations and on how to start a caring clown program when more than one clown is interested in participating in this valuable activity.

The Caring Clown Manual can continue to serve as a resource after the initial training is complete.  It contains information on how to continue your education and professional development and how to evaluate the training program. 

Objectives

1.     To provide instruction on the special considerations and skills necessary for becoming a caring clown.

2.     To provide suggestions on how to begin a Caring Clown Program in a hospital or nursing home setting.

3.     To serve as a resource to direct the caring clown to more opportunities and resources for caring clowns.

Requirements for Becoming a Caring Clown

1.     The desire to use humor to help healing

2.     The ability to work hard

3.     The ability to have fun and play

4.     An open heart and compassion

The Caring Clown Manual is designed for anyone who would like to become a caring clown and/or start a Caring Clown Program.  It also provides useful information for caring clowns who would like to expand their talents and services.

References

A list of relevant resources can be found on this website.  Your local library is also a wonderful place to find information.