Reflecting on a Successful Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp!
A Week of Growth, Learning, and Fun
We are thrilled to share the highlights and successes of our Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp! Held at the beautiful Arnold Park in Aloha, OR, our camp focused on yoga, mindfulness, and emotional regulation through the Zones of Regulation framework. From July 10th to July 14th, our campers experienced a supportive and enriching environment where they learned valuable tools for emotional regulation and mindfulness, made new friends, and had an unforgettable summer experience.
Day 1: Introduction to Yoga, Mindfulness, and Zones of Regulation
On the first day, we kicked off with fun icebreaker activities to help the children get to know each other. Our yoga session introduced basic poses and breathing techniques, setting the stage for a week of mindfulness. The children also learned about the Zones of Regulation, a framework to help them understand and manage their emotions. They personalized their yoga mats and explored different emotional regulation tools, laying the foundation for their emotional growth.
Day 2: Deepening Yoga Practice and Exploring Senses
The second day was all about balance and coordination through yoga. Our mindfulness activities included sensory exploration and a senses meditation. The children created sensory bottles during craft time and engaged in role-playing activities to better understand different emotional zones and coping strategies. A special guest joined us to explore music and its role in emotional regulation, adding a delightful and educational twist to the day.
Day 3: Creative Yoga and Mindful Movement
Day three brought creativity and movement together. We used yoga storytelling to make the practice fun and engaging, followed by mindful movement activities such as Tai Chi and a nature walk. Craft time involved creating nature collages, and we introduced a "Calm Down" toolkit to help the children manage their emotions effectively.
Day 4: Strengthening Mind and Body Connection
Our focus on day four was on strengthening the mind-body connection. The yoga session emphasized strength and stability, including sun salutations. Mindfulness activities featured a body scan meditation and mindful journaling. The children created gratitude jars and worked on identifying emotional triggers and coping strategies, culminating in their own personal zone charts.
Day 5: Integration and Celebration
The final day was a celebration of all that the children had learned. They reviewed and practiced their favorite yoga poses, engaged in yoga games, and created personal mindfulness plans. Craft time was dedicated to making a camp memory book. We concluded with a mini award ceremony and a group reflection circle, where the children shared their experiences and achievements.
Looking Ahead: Join Us for Fall Social Groups!
Our Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp was a resounding success, and we are excited to continue offering enriching experiences for children and families. If you missed out on our summer camp, don’t worry! We have exciting plans for the fall with our social groups. These groups will continue to focus on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and social skills, providing a supportive environment for children to thrive.
We invite you to join our fall social groups and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth and learning. Sign up today and give your child the tools they need for emotional and social success.
For more information or to register for our fall social groups, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming your family!
