Hidden Helpers Summit
We can’t wait to welcome you to our third annual Hidden Helpers Summit at the most magical place on earth—Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!
Hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and made possible by the generous support of Wounded Warrior Project, Lockheed Martin, and Humana Military, this year’s Summit will bring together caregiving families, coalition partners, and national leaders to elevate the voices of hidden helpers and advance support for military and veteran children in caregiving homes.
The Summit kicks off on August 6 with an exciting welcome reception at the Living Seas Salon in Epcot. On August 7, we’ll dive into the full day Hidden Helpers Summit, featuring stories and insights from caregiving children and teens, dynamic keynote speakers, the exciting launch of our Hidden Helpers Journey Map, and an afternoon of interactive breakout sessions for all ages and attendees.
Schedule:
Wednesday, August 6
Welcome Reception at EPCOT
6:00 PM – Depart from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Private shuttle service will transport all guests to the event.
6:30 PM – Welcome Reception Begins
Join us for a special evening at EPCOT®'s Living Seas Salon. Dinner will be served.
9:30 PM – Evening concludes with dessert and a private fireworks viewing at EPCOT®'s Terrasse des Fleurs.
Attire: Business Casual
Transportation: Private shuttle service will be provided to and from the dinner reception.
Thursday, August 7
Hidden Helpers Summit
Location: Disney's Coronado Springs, Conference Center
Attire: Business Casual (Adults), Casual attire (Kids)
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Welcome Remarks & Keynote Address
- Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
- Wounded Warrior Project
Note: Children ages 11 and under will depart after the keynote for a fun morning at Coronado Springs' "Big Dig" recreation area and will rejoin for lunch.
10:00 AM – Hidden Helper Panel moderated by Kylie Briest, 2025 Dole Caregiver Fellow and former Hidden Helper
The Hidden Helper Panel is a powerful and heartfelt feature of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Helpers Summit, bringing the voices of young military and veteran caregivers to the forefront. This panel features current hidden helpers who courageously share their personal journeys of caring for a wounded, ill, or injured service member in their family.
10:45 AM – Hidden Helper Journey Map Launch
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is proud to unveil the Hidden Helper Journey Map—a first-of-its-kind tool that illustrates the experiences of military and veteran children who serve as caregivers and helps them learn to navigate that journey and anticipate what comes next.
- Dr. Melinda S. Kavanaugh, Professor, Social Work, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
11:45 AM – Introduction of Breakout Sessions
- Lisell Pacheco, Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Breakout Sessions
- Itty Bittys: Children ages 5 and under
Designed especially for our youngest hidden helpers, this session focuses on play, fun, and gentle childcare in a safe and nurturing environment. Little ones will enjoy age-appropriate activities that encourage creativity and joy while giving parents a moment of respite. It's all about making sure our tiniest caregivers feel cared for and entertained. - Littles: Hidden Helpers ages 6-8
In this interactive session inspired by Inside Out, hidden helpers will explore big feelings and how to care for themselves and others with empathy. Through games, a movie clip, role-playing, and crafts, children will learn how to identify emotions, support friends who are struggling, and recognize what helps them feel better. Participants will create their own Feelings Wheel to take home and be celebrated as "Feelings Heroes" for their emotional bravery and kindness. - Superheroes (Tweens): Hidden Helpers ages 9-11
Hidden helpers ages 9-11 will discover their inner superheroes in this fun and empowering session. We’ll start with a “Snowball Fight” icebreaker to get to know each other, then explore our caregiving strengths through a special Superhero Workbook. These workbooks were created by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project, Global Neuro YCare, and Philips to help guide kids through their caregiving journey. To finish, each participant will create a personalized Superhero Badge to celebrate their unique caregiving superpowers. - Journey Map Session: Hidden Helpers ages 12+ and adults
In this interactive, immersive breakout session, participants will step into the lives of military and veteran caregiving families to explore the real-world experiences of hidden helpers.- In the first hour, attendees (coalition members, partner organizations, prospective coalition members, etc.) will be organized into groups of 4-5 and assigned roles within a caregiving family. Together, they will move through a series of realistic, scenario-based experiences set at home, school, a doctor's office, and in social settings with friends. The hidden helpers in the room, aged 12-17, will take on the role of the adults in each scenario—parents, teachers, medical staff, or community members. This role-reversal approach is designed to spark empathy, insight, and discussion, highlighting the challenges, successes, and unmet needs of hidden helpers.
- In the final 30 minutes, Disney Institute will guide a powerful debrief and reflection session. Participants will share their takeaways and with guidance from Disney Institute, craft clear, compelling statements and messages that can be brought back to their organizations, schools, or communities—helping to raise awareness, build support, and champion change for hidden helpers nationwide.
- Parent Guide: Parents and guardians
In this 90-minute session, parents and caregivers will help shape the future of a Parent’s Guide designed to equip parents in supporting their hidden helpers. Through facilitated discussions and co-creation, parents will identify the tools, knowledge, and guidance they wish they had to better support their caregiving children.- The session will also include an overview of existing resources at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
3:15 PM – Promising Practices: Progress and Support across the Field
This session highlights innovative and impactful efforts taking place across Military and Veteran Service Organizations (MSOs/VSOs) to support hidden helpers and their families. Attendees will hear real-world examples of promising practices already in motion—programs, policies, and partnerships that are driving meaningful change.
This session showcases how organizations are stepping up to meet the needs of caregiving children. It’s a chance to learn what’s working, hear about the growing momentum across the field to recognize and uplift hidden helpers in every community.
3:45 PM – Closing Remarks
- Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
4:00-6:00 PM – Extended Break
6:00 PM – Pizza Party & Games (Optional)
Kick back and relax with fellow hidden helpers, families, and friends at our fun-filled pizza party! Enjoy delicious pizza, lively games, and great company in a welcoming, low-key atmosphere.
This is a perfect chance to unwind after a full day of sessions, connect with others, and create joyful memories together. Whether you want to play, chat, or just hang out, all are welcome to join the fun!
8:00 PM – Movie (Optional)
This special screening offers a perfect opportunity to unwind, share laughs, and connect with other hidden helpers and their families in a warm, community atmosphere.
Friday, August 8
Magic Kingdom Respite Day
Location: Disney's Magic Kingdom
Attire: Casual (Please dress for the Florida sun!)
Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! There will be no scheduled programming—this day is all about spending quality time with family and friends, making magical memories at your own pace.
Discounted tickets are available for purchase through our exclusive portal: https://disneyevent.com/elizabeth.dole.august.25
Planning Your Trip:
While the Elizabeth Dole Foundation does not cover lodging or park tickets, we have secured:
- A preferred hotel rate at the conference hotel: Disney’s Coronado Springs.
- Access to discounted Disney Park tickets.
We kindly ask attendees to book within the designated hotel block to help us meet our room commitment. Reservations can be made by calling the Disney Group Reservations Phone Team at (407) 939-4686 or by using the online booking site.
We're excited to see you there!