Recognizing a need to engage children who need help with communication, impulse control, and anger and have time available during the summer recess, Care Plus NJ, Inc. (CarePlus) has created Socially Creative Summer Camp.
Socially Creative Summer Camp offers an experience that provides children ages 9-12 with an opportunity to blend creative arts with social skills, while learning to build friendships and enhance communication. Children involved in the program will have a chance to express themselves through painting, percussion, yoga, and improvisational activities to develop a sense of individuality as well as connect them to their peers.
The program takes an evidence-based social skills curriculum and provides children with continued support and structure during the summer months in a positive, nurturing, and motivating environment. Creative arts are used in a way to help build self-esteem and foster communication skills, all while giving kids a chance to gain insight into their inner and outer worlds. Days at camp will consist of time spent working alone as well as collaborating with others for a final group production.
The summer program will be facilitated by Kathy DeDrama (Gvardijan), a certified yoga instructor, creative writing teacher, counseling intern and creative arts therapy facilitator with over 10 years of experience; Paul Kates, a Board-Certified Music Therapist who has worked with children and families at CarePlus for 10 years; and Cory Chargo, a licensed clinician that will be implementing CarePlus’ evidence-based social skills curriculum.
“Therapy through creative arts is approachable from every level of development, encouraging physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills,” said Kates.
CarePlus noted that the group size limited to encourage the highest level of engagement; prompt registration is suggested.
Socially Creative Summer Camp is a two-week program, which runs Monday-Friday from 9AM – 1PM, with two available start dates (July 21st and Aug. 4th). The cost is $800, and includes intake requirements. For more information or to register, please call Ashley Czesak at 201-797-2660 x144
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
