This session uses the familiar world of Gilligan’s Island to explore what happens to adults during and after traumatic events in school communities. While much of the conversation around trauma focuses on helping students, this presentation looks at the emotional weight carried by educators, counselors, administrators, first responders, and trusted adults who continue showing up for others while often ignoring what they themselves are carrying.
Using the characters from Gilligan’s Island as a relatable framework, participants explore the roles adults naturally assume during crisis and recovery. Some become “The Skipper,” trying to hold everything together. Some become “Gilligan,” overwhelmed but still trying their best. Some become “The Professor,” relying on logic and problem-solving, while others use humor, avoidance, caretaking, silence, or overwork to cope. These roles create honest conversation while helping participants recognize themselves and others in a memorable and non-threatening way.
Through storytelling, lived experience, humor, vulnerability, and guided reflection, the session builds toward the “5 Things We Carry” exercise. This experience allows participants to reflect on the emotions, responsibilities, grief, and invisible burdens they continue carrying from trauma and caring for others. Rather than focusing on theory or scripted responses, the presentation centers on what actually helps people feel seen, supported, and connected after crisis.
Participants leave with practical tools, emotional insight, and a renewed understanding of how trusted adult culture can influence healing across an entire school community. The goal is not just to teach trauma response, but to help the adults in the room feel a little less alone carrying it.
