When a new school year approaches, many kids experience a whirlwind of mixed emotions. While some might be excited about returning to school, others are anxious at the thought of navigating structured routines, peer interactions, new teachers, or schoolwork.

In response, the Encompass Pediatric Therapy team put their heads together to create Confidence Camp: Back to School Edition. Meeting the week before school started, this interactive group therapy adventure had a big impact on our kids! Over five sessions, children worked with 19 therapists from Mental Health, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, each contributing to an immersive, fun, and effective experience. The camp was carefully designed to help kids not only build emotional resilience but also equip them with the skills needed for a smoother transition into school.

Here’s a glimpse into their journey:

Session 1: Saying Goodbye to Summer & Preparing for Change
The camp kicked off by helping kids reflect on the joys of summer, while gently preparing them for the changes ahead. Through art, story-sharing, and emotional recognition exercises, kids were encouraged to identify and label their feelings, whether excited, nervous, or sad. Therapists supported them in expressing these emotions, fostering an environment of comfort and understanding. Sensory tools and relaxation techniques were also introduced to help kids manage their anxieties and feel grounded when things change.

Session 2: Back-to-School Routines
Next, it was all about routines! Kids practiced structuring their mornings and evenings using visual schedules, which helped them understand the predictability of their day. The group engaged in games and social stories that focused on creating structure, learning how to manage transitions, and navigating unexpected changes. All of these are skills they’ll carry with them throughout the school year. Each camper took home their own personalized visual schedule.

Session 3: Friendship & Communication Skills
Making friends and communicating effectively can sometimes be tricky. This session offered playful ways to build confidence. The kids participated in activities like Friendship Bingo and role-playing scenarios, practicing conversation starters, and learning how to cooperate during group activities. Therapists worked on social initiation, choices, turn-taking, and empathetic listening, helping kids feel more comfortable approaching and connecting with their peers. Several kids reported that their favorite part of camp was “making friends”!

Session 4: Coping with Worry & Big Feelings
This session was all about empowering kids to manage their emotions and face worries head-on. The children created their own “worry monsters” to help externalize their anxieties. Therapists introduced calming tools such as breathing exercises, fidget toys, and grounding techniques to help children regulate their emotions. They also practiced identifying and expressing their feelings, which is an essential skill for emotional health.

Session 5: Problem-Solving at School
Finally, the kids explored how to tackle problems that may arise in school, whether it’s a lost pencil or a friend who’s upset with you. Through role-playing and hands-on challenges, such as organizing a messy table of school supplies, kids learned how to use problem-solving frameworks and manage stress during overwhelming situations. The camp wrapped up with kids taking home their own coping cards to remember how to handle challenges in the future.

We are proud of how this collaborative approach from multiple disciplines created such a lasting impact on Encompass kids. From the tactile sensory supports provided by our occupational therapists to the communication strategies from our speech therapists, or the emotional validation from our mental health therapists, every part of camp helped build well-rounded emotional resilience. We’re excited to offer more topic-based Confidence Camps in the future, allowing kids to continue to grow emotionally, socially, and physically, as they become more confident in managing life’s challenges.

Next Up: Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Confidence Camp: Halloween Edition!

Join us on October 30th from 4:15-5:15 pm, or October 31st from 2:00-3:00 pm, for a fun-filled group therapy session focused on boosting confidence through Halloween-themed activities. Whether it’s practicing relational skills, building self-esteem, or mastering the art of the perfect costume compliment, your child will leave feeling ready to take on the world.

After the session, we’ll have a practice Trick or Treating session at the Encompass Child Development Center, where kids can apply their newfound confidence in a safe, festive environment. Don’t miss out on this fun, confidence-boosting therapeutic adventure and register quickly, as spots will be limited!

Learn more or register: https://bit.ly/3I3dJFe