By Kathy Chouteau
The Bay Area Girls Club is offering two free, weeklong camp sessions for elementary school girls centered on social emotional learning called “Take Care of You,” with the first week running June 23-27 and the second July 28-Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Richmond. The camp is sponsored by the City of Richmond’s Richmond Fund for Children and Youth.
The nonprofit’s camps accommodate girls ages 7-11, with participants able to sign up for a maximum of one session. The curriculum, which was adopted for children from Happiness and Well-being for Adults by Jonah Paquette, PsyD and Patricia Eaton, PsyD, will focus on social emotional learning for young girls, with an emphasis on developing their self-care skills and mental well-being.
During camp, techniques such as mindfulness, reflective stories, interactive activities and expression will teach girls the mindset and skills to navigate their educational journey, according to the Bay Area Girls Club.
As part of the camp curriculum, girls will learn Self Care Skills that empower them to identify and manage tasks, responsibilities and social relationships; become more aware of their personal needs and vulnerabilities, such as activity level, time indoors vs. outdoors, social time, alone time, etc.; and achieve balance in life by understanding themselves and their personal needs.
Emotional Awareness will also be covered with the campers, emphasizing the practice of gratitude, cultivating kindness and compassion for themselves and others; the benefits of optimism and positivity; and mindfulness and awareness of thoughts, feelings and environment.
Finally, campers will learn about Mental Well-Being, including stress management techniques and coping strategies; how to identify and embrace personal strengths and resiliency; and how to achieve and maintain mental and emotional balance.
Girl-moms-or-dads can sign up for a camp session here. The camps will take place at the Bay Area Girls Club, 260 Broadway in Richmond. Questions? Contact 510-232-5440 or office@bagirlsclub.org.