Mini Mindfulness Camp -- Summer 2019
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I’m offering a 3 day, 2 hour classes in the comfort of your own home!
*Camper Cost: $90/child. *Hostess and sibling Discounts available! (Must recruit 4 other campers for discount) *You pick the days and times, I’ll bring the materials and the mindful magic! *Recruit a minimum of 4 other kids, between the ages of 6-9 to join in. |
*Deadline for Camp Dates is MAY 27th. Deadline for camp enrollment is JUNE 1st.
What exactly is Mindfulness?
It’s a state of mind where you’re fully attending to what’s happening, to what you’re doing, to the space you're moving through. That might seem easy, except for the annoying fact that we so often veer from the matter at hand. Our mind takes flight, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we’re engrossed in a plethora of thoughts regarding something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that can makes us anxious!
How can Mindfulness help your child?
There are tons of studies out there that have showed very positive outcomes for teaching children mindfulness skills at an earlier age. Some include:
- reduces stress and anxiety
- improves focus and attention
- improves sleep
- increase in working memory and problem solving skills
- increase in self-esteem and self confidence
- mitigates affects of bullying
- better ability to manage behavior and reactivity
- improves social skills and interactions between peers
How does it work?
First two days I will work with and teach the children skills to be more present, calm and confident. On the third day, YOU will be invited to participate in the camp and learn WITH your child how to do it yourself and aid your child in more mindful moments. Learning new calming tools AND bonding with your kids? Yes please!!
What kind of activities and skills will you be teaching?
I am almost done with my syllabus and guys, I AM PUMPED. The days will be filled with crafts, activities and tons of fun skills to help reach the calm. Here's what the plan is:
Day 1- "Mindful Body": It's all about how we can quiet our body by using our 5 senses, focusing on our breath and counting our heartbeats. We will have a nature walk, pretend to be Spiderman, try out some yoga, and much more!
Day 2- "Quiet Mind": We will learn how to handle "heavy feelings," how to "pause" our thoughts along with practicing kindness, gratitude and confidence! We will be playing a fun game called "Fishbowl" and I have at least two crafts planned for this day so far.
Day 3- "Mommy and Me Mindfulness": The last day, YOU will be invited to sit down with your child and participate in the Mindfulness fun! Learning, practicing and finding ways to cultivate Mindfulness in your everyday life and add to your parenting Toolbox.
Why the age range of 6 to 9 years old?
A study conducted by Brown University in 2014 discussed that "habits" are unlikely to vary after the age of 9. Habits included household chores, responsibilities and routine. So I thought, why not start solidifying "healthy emotional habits" around this time too? Shouldn't we start teaching our kids how to self-regulate, self-soothe in a age-appropriate way? Enter in my idea of teaching mindfulness to this age group!
What if my child is 5 years old or even 10 years old and I want them to participate?
I'm more than happy to evaluate on a case by case basis if your younger/older child would be appropriate for this group. Ask away!
So what do I do when my child is attending your camp?
This depends on your host. If you are looking to be a host, there is NO OBLIGATION to open your home to the other parents! Though it might be more convenient as well as give you and your friends time to catch up, share a cup of coffee, let the tiny ones play together as the big sisters/brothers are at my camp. But that is completely up to you! If your host is unable to have an open house, then your child will be safe with me in camp, in a familiar home, and having fun! Enjoy a few hours of peace :) As noted above, the third day you are to participate with your child and learn mindfulness tools together.
Why have someone host it at their home?
Through some feedback from other parents, I decided to have this camp hosted in-home for several reasons. First- comfort level! Everyone, including the kids, will be more at ease and comfortable in a familiar surrounding. Moms will also have the piece of mind that their child is in a safe environment too. Second- it keeps costs down for YOU! If I were to host the camps in a facility, I would have to rent by the day/hour, thus, causing the camp fee to increase. This way, we can all save a little bit more. Third- flexibility with times. I know summer schedules can look a little crazy with camps, play dates, vacations, etc, so allowing you guys to pick and choose the dates/locations seemed like a much easier route then me dictating the dates.
My child is, er, a little rambunctious. I'm not sure he/she would sit still for two hours. What's your thoughts on that?
Well, I know my daughter can't sit perfectly still for two hours, so I'm with ya! But in all seriousness, I'm prepared for the wiggling! My camp will be interactive, fast-paced, with fun activities but also quiet reflective time (after we dance out the wiggles in the beginning of the camp!) However, if you are concerned that your child might not be ready to learn about finding the calm within, I would suggest having a chat with him/her the days before the class, explaining that this camp will help with "cooling the engine" down that's always running hard. And that listening ears are super important in this camp. If you need any other tips on how to talk to your kids about this camp, let me know!
I have a baby/younger sibling that will need to be with me, what should I do?
No problem! The first two days parents will not need to be involved, so you can cuddle and play with your little one then. However, on the third day, I would HIGHLY recommend that you attend solo for your child attending the camp, to give him/her undivided attention as well as a calm and distraction-free experience for yourself :) Possible idea- if you and some of the other moms in the camp have more than one little, possibly pool your money together and see if an older neighborhood kid/local babysitter is available to watch them for the two hours at the host's home. Or an older sibling? If finding someone to watch your older child is not possible, I completely understand! Try to bring toys, games, etc for them to occupy themselves while assisting your bigger kid.
I'm interested in hosting a camp at my place! What days and times should I schedule in the week?
Yay! I'm so glad that you want to learn more about mindfulness and have your child grow with these skills as well! The days and times are up to you, but I would request that the times be morning hours, Monday through Friday. I work at my private practice in the evenings and on Saturdays (and Sundays are family days for me!) I would recommend three consecutive days as well. For example: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am. However, I TOTALLY understand that schedules are hard to maneuver and coordinate, so I will try my best to be flexible with your needs. In order to reserve your days/times, a refundable retainer will need to be paid ($90). If you are unable to recruit 5 campers (including your child(ren), the retainer will be forfeited (as payment for the 4th camper).
What if I have a hard time recruiting other kiddos to join?
Darn! I hope more people see how useful this camp could be for their kiddos! Have you tried posting the flyer or a shout out on social media? Sometimes that's the quickest way to reach a large amount of people. Here's a few other ideas to reach more people: Local mommy groups, your town's FB page or parent page, your children's friends (and their moms/dads), coworkers, neighbors, etc. Also, since 5 kids is the minimum, overshoot that target. Identify 7-8 (or more!) friends that you think would be good participants. More likely than not, a bunch of them will be unable to fit it in. If you need any help or more info to share, feel free to let me know!
Where should I host the camp? Indoors or Outdoors?
Preferably, outdoors in your backyard, under a big shady tree (optional :)) Mindfulness tools are best used outdoors, listening to nature, feeling nature, etc. However, if there's a rainy day in the mix, I would have a plan B of where you'd like to host. Basement, family room, or even the kitchen table (depending on your group). Who knows, we might want to run around in the rain a little bit too!
What is the deadline for enrolling my child or signing up for hosting a camp?
In order to secure a date to host, at least ONE of the group participants must fill out the registration and pay the invoice by MAY 27th. All other participants will need to be registered/invoice paid by JUNE 1st. Registration will start MAY 15th and will be available via my website.
Should my child bring anything to the camp?
Yes, just a few things. A water bottle to stay hydrated, a towel/yoga mat/beach blanket to sit on during our classes, and an open mind, positive attitude and listening ears (if possible!) I'll supply the rest.
What's included in the fee?
The fee includes all craft supplies, some allergy-friendly snacks and a folder where your child will keep all of their drawings, worksheets and information full of mindfulness skills, tips and exercises. I will also include (on the third day) a great information sheet for parents about common signs of stress, anxiety and depression, some "buzzwords" to use with your child to promote mindful moments, as well as a list of ways to bring mindfulness exercises into your everyday living. Oh, and the fee includes my service and travel expense to your home too :)
I'm so excited to offer this camp at a really low price, since this is my first go at an in-home adventure like this! Camps like this on the West Coast usually run anywhere between $125-$225! All I ask for in return, at the end of the group, is some feedback and maybe a few reviews so I can help this concept grow for next summer!
How do I contact you to sign up or chat a little more about the Mini Mindfulness Camp?
You are welcome to email me at [email protected] or click on the "Contact Me!" button below. Hope to hear from you soon!
Yay I'm going to host a group! How do I sign up my kids, as well as direct my friends to sign up their children?
I'm so glad you are joining me in this adventure! Registration will be available starting MAY 15th. Click the "Registration" button below to be redirected to the registration page. Let me know if you have any questions...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR UPDATES ABOUT CAMP! @watkinslcsw
It’s a state of mind where you’re fully attending to what’s happening, to what you’re doing, to the space you're moving through. That might seem easy, except for the annoying fact that we so often veer from the matter at hand. Our mind takes flight, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we’re engrossed in a plethora of thoughts regarding something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that can makes us anxious!
How can Mindfulness help your child?
There are tons of studies out there that have showed very positive outcomes for teaching children mindfulness skills at an earlier age. Some include:
- reduces stress and anxiety
- improves focus and attention
- improves sleep
- increase in working memory and problem solving skills
- increase in self-esteem and self confidence
- mitigates affects of bullying
- better ability to manage behavior and reactivity
- improves social skills and interactions between peers
How does it work?
First two days I will work with and teach the children skills to be more present, calm and confident. On the third day, YOU will be invited to participate in the camp and learn WITH your child how to do it yourself and aid your child in more mindful moments. Learning new calming tools AND bonding with your kids? Yes please!!
What kind of activities and skills will you be teaching?
I am almost done with my syllabus and guys, I AM PUMPED. The days will be filled with crafts, activities and tons of fun skills to help reach the calm. Here's what the plan is:
Day 1- "Mindful Body": It's all about how we can quiet our body by using our 5 senses, focusing on our breath and counting our heartbeats. We will have a nature walk, pretend to be Spiderman, try out some yoga, and much more!
Day 2- "Quiet Mind": We will learn how to handle "heavy feelings," how to "pause" our thoughts along with practicing kindness, gratitude and confidence! We will be playing a fun game called "Fishbowl" and I have at least two crafts planned for this day so far.
Day 3- "Mommy and Me Mindfulness": The last day, YOU will be invited to sit down with your child and participate in the Mindfulness fun! Learning, practicing and finding ways to cultivate Mindfulness in your everyday life and add to your parenting Toolbox.
Why the age range of 6 to 9 years old?
A study conducted by Brown University in 2014 discussed that "habits" are unlikely to vary after the age of 9. Habits included household chores, responsibilities and routine. So I thought, why not start solidifying "healthy emotional habits" around this time too? Shouldn't we start teaching our kids how to self-regulate, self-soothe in a age-appropriate way? Enter in my idea of teaching mindfulness to this age group!
What if my child is 5 years old or even 10 years old and I want them to participate?
I'm more than happy to evaluate on a case by case basis if your younger/older child would be appropriate for this group. Ask away!
So what do I do when my child is attending your camp?
This depends on your host. If you are looking to be a host, there is NO OBLIGATION to open your home to the other parents! Though it might be more convenient as well as give you and your friends time to catch up, share a cup of coffee, let the tiny ones play together as the big sisters/brothers are at my camp. But that is completely up to you! If your host is unable to have an open house, then your child will be safe with me in camp, in a familiar home, and having fun! Enjoy a few hours of peace :) As noted above, the third day you are to participate with your child and learn mindfulness tools together.
Why have someone host it at their home?
Through some feedback from other parents, I decided to have this camp hosted in-home for several reasons. First- comfort level! Everyone, including the kids, will be more at ease and comfortable in a familiar surrounding. Moms will also have the piece of mind that their child is in a safe environment too. Second- it keeps costs down for YOU! If I were to host the camps in a facility, I would have to rent by the day/hour, thus, causing the camp fee to increase. This way, we can all save a little bit more. Third- flexibility with times. I know summer schedules can look a little crazy with camps, play dates, vacations, etc, so allowing you guys to pick and choose the dates/locations seemed like a much easier route then me dictating the dates.
My child is, er, a little rambunctious. I'm not sure he/she would sit still for two hours. What's your thoughts on that?
Well, I know my daughter can't sit perfectly still for two hours, so I'm with ya! But in all seriousness, I'm prepared for the wiggling! My camp will be interactive, fast-paced, with fun activities but also quiet reflective time (after we dance out the wiggles in the beginning of the camp!) However, if you are concerned that your child might not be ready to learn about finding the calm within, I would suggest having a chat with him/her the days before the class, explaining that this camp will help with "cooling the engine" down that's always running hard. And that listening ears are super important in this camp. If you need any other tips on how to talk to your kids about this camp, let me know!
I have a baby/younger sibling that will need to be with me, what should I do?
No problem! The first two days parents will not need to be involved, so you can cuddle and play with your little one then. However, on the third day, I would HIGHLY recommend that you attend solo for your child attending the camp, to give him/her undivided attention as well as a calm and distraction-free experience for yourself :) Possible idea- if you and some of the other moms in the camp have more than one little, possibly pool your money together and see if an older neighborhood kid/local babysitter is available to watch them for the two hours at the host's home. Or an older sibling? If finding someone to watch your older child is not possible, I completely understand! Try to bring toys, games, etc for them to occupy themselves while assisting your bigger kid.
I'm interested in hosting a camp at my place! What days and times should I schedule in the week?
Yay! I'm so glad that you want to learn more about mindfulness and have your child grow with these skills as well! The days and times are up to you, but I would request that the times be morning hours, Monday through Friday. I work at my private practice in the evenings and on Saturdays (and Sundays are family days for me!) I would recommend three consecutive days as well. For example: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am. However, I TOTALLY understand that schedules are hard to maneuver and coordinate, so I will try my best to be flexible with your needs. In order to reserve your days/times, a refundable retainer will need to be paid ($90). If you are unable to recruit 5 campers (including your child(ren), the retainer will be forfeited (as payment for the 4th camper).
What if I have a hard time recruiting other kiddos to join?
Darn! I hope more people see how useful this camp could be for their kiddos! Have you tried posting the flyer or a shout out on social media? Sometimes that's the quickest way to reach a large amount of people. Here's a few other ideas to reach more people: Local mommy groups, your town's FB page or parent page, your children's friends (and their moms/dads), coworkers, neighbors, etc. Also, since 5 kids is the minimum, overshoot that target. Identify 7-8 (or more!) friends that you think would be good participants. More likely than not, a bunch of them will be unable to fit it in. If you need any help or more info to share, feel free to let me know!
Where should I host the camp? Indoors or Outdoors?
Preferably, outdoors in your backyard, under a big shady tree (optional :)) Mindfulness tools are best used outdoors, listening to nature, feeling nature, etc. However, if there's a rainy day in the mix, I would have a plan B of where you'd like to host. Basement, family room, or even the kitchen table (depending on your group). Who knows, we might want to run around in the rain a little bit too!
What is the deadline for enrolling my child or signing up for hosting a camp?
In order to secure a date to host, at least ONE of the group participants must fill out the registration and pay the invoice by MAY 27th. All other participants will need to be registered/invoice paid by JUNE 1st. Registration will start MAY 15th and will be available via my website.
Should my child bring anything to the camp?
Yes, just a few things. A water bottle to stay hydrated, a towel/yoga mat/beach blanket to sit on during our classes, and an open mind, positive attitude and listening ears (if possible!) I'll supply the rest.
What's included in the fee?
The fee includes all craft supplies, some allergy-friendly snacks and a folder where your child will keep all of their drawings, worksheets and information full of mindfulness skills, tips and exercises. I will also include (on the third day) a great information sheet for parents about common signs of stress, anxiety and depression, some "buzzwords" to use with your child to promote mindful moments, as well as a list of ways to bring mindfulness exercises into your everyday living. Oh, and the fee includes my service and travel expense to your home too :)
I'm so excited to offer this camp at a really low price, since this is my first go at an in-home adventure like this! Camps like this on the West Coast usually run anywhere between $125-$225! All I ask for in return, at the end of the group, is some feedback and maybe a few reviews so I can help this concept grow for next summer!
How do I contact you to sign up or chat a little more about the Mini Mindfulness Camp?
You are welcome to email me at [email protected] or click on the "Contact Me!" button below. Hope to hear from you soon!
Yay I'm going to host a group! How do I sign up my kids, as well as direct my friends to sign up their children?
I'm so glad you are joining me in this adventure! Registration will be available starting MAY 15th. Click the "Registration" button below to be redirected to the registration page. Let me know if you have any questions...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR UPDATES ABOUT CAMP! @watkinslcsw