Program Details

Children with SPD often feel that no matter how hard they try, they are always getting into trouble. This occurs because sensory signals do not get transmitted and/or interpreted as they should, resulting in high or low arousal states which further compounds the issue. Labeling behaviors does little but make a child feel embarrassed or ashamed, still uncertain about how to behave like their peers.  Supporting a child's arousal state, in-the-moment, helps the child to be more available to process “what just happened?!” and to then learn how to more appropriately respond “next time” The child learns to identify feelings and express themselves in words instead of “bad behavior." As self-regulation strategies are taught and shared among group members, children better understand themselves and others. Such interactions foster acceptance and positive self-esteem.

Our constant emphasis is supporting desired behavior through positive recognition with little to no response given for undesired behavior. We strive to notice and support your child for ANY effort they make to manage their emotions and control their responses, whether or not they get it completely right or not. Old patterns are replaced with more favorable responses when praise and recognition are given for all noticeable efforts. Success is achieved when feeling out-of-control emotionally shifts to feeling in-control. To ensure positive support for challenging moments, we incorporate therapeutic principles from  "How Does Your Engine Run?”®,  The Nurtured Heart Approach®, and  DIRFloortime® . 

Structure of each Day 

A group of  8 to 10 campers will gather at-large 3 times during each day's session. At the first, the overall plan for the day is reviewed and the main principles of self-regulation are discussed. The group meets again during snack and at the end of the day's session to review the how the day went and celebrate successes and practice playing in the larger, more complex group. Between large-group meetings, two smaller groups of 4 to 5 children will be created, offering less complexity and increased success during two separate physical activities or games.

Children will be supported as they tackle problems that may be difficult for them, such as sharing; listening to other points of view; exhibiting clingy or demanding behavior; wanting their own way all the time; and/or feeling anxious about interacting with others or trying new things. Parents will be provided feedback and problem-solving strategies during the parent review to assist in  further developing these new skills. 

Home Grown Activities 

Activities that do not involve screens and involve routine cardio-vascular response are both very important during children’s developmental, formative years of life. To help inspire parents and motivate children to engage in more physically and socially interactive activities at home, we intentionally incorporate “home grown” games and activities as a part of your child’s experience.

Guided opportunities will be included for children to: 

• be creative with common household items
• identify and define simple goals in games
• share and combine ideas with peers when creating goal-oriented activities 
• explore and practice a positive competitive spirit
• inspire enthusiasm for coming up with games and activities at home 

The bigger picture goal will be to help children:

• "think outside the box", beyond knowing what to do "as instructed" 
• learn to use goals as a “means to an end,” whether for play, household chores or school work
• practice cooperative play 
• experience competitive play as a “win-win” experience both as an observer of their peers and as a participant 

Gross Motor Activities

The use of swings, obstacle courses, climbing walls, zip lines, crash cushions, stump walking and a resistance swimming pool will  be incorporated into this summer experience!  Skills requiring balance, coordination, core strength, problem solving, sequencing and body-in-space awareness will be factored in to help those with challenges to feel successful and those with strengths to excel to their heart’s content!

Fine Motor and Visual  Motor Activities

Eye-hand activities will be mixed in during the week offering an opportunity to build on skills already achieved as well as to fine tune or enhance new skills in these areas.

Healthy Snacks 

Our snacks are designed to encourage exploration through taste, texture and oral motor control. Peer support, games around food and the motivation to guess the flavor (Mystery Pops!) can often help children overcome strong tendencies to resist non-preferred foods.  Please do not send in your own snacks as this takes away any incentive to try. Our healthy snacks are largely organic and free of gluten, dairy, soy, corn, artificial flavors/additives and are minimally processed, if at all. Please let us know if accommodations are needed for other allergies/sensitivities.