Social Skills Support Group for Elementary School Children

Starting on Sept 15 the Social Skills Group at Wellness Connection will be starting for children in elementary school. This group was very popular last spring and is returning, as requested, open to former group members and new children. This group is ideal for children who have a difficult time making or keeping friends, struggle with attention, starting and maintaining conversation,  as well as children who need some support on responding appropriately to others. We will work to develop skills of communication, focus, recognizing how others are feeling, understanding, friendship and regularly grow skills working as a team. Children in the group have the opportunity to connect and grow with other children who are working on the same skills. The Social Skills Group will be six weeks long from 9/15 - 10/20 and costs $240. We will meet on Monday evenings from 5-6 pm, or 6-7pm. Group members need to be available to attend all 6 weeks for the benefit of all children in the group. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of right as the school year begins. Group members will develop skills directly related to helping them all year at school. To enroll please call 703-327-0335. Space is limited.

This support group will be run by Sarah Freeman, M.Ed., Resident in Counseling, Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling at George Mason University.

What am I going to do with them ALL summer long???

Selecting a summer camp for your kids:

Written By Sarah Freeman, M.ED.

Have you ever had the experience of dropping your kids off at a camp, looking around and getting back in your car with not much more than hope that the kids will survive and confusion about what you paid for?

Many summer camps are run by teens and young adults who are there for their summer jobs. Don’t discount their enthusiasm, passion for kids or developing leadership skills. Many are there for all the right reasons. Unfortunately they are frequently not set up with the design or resources to be much more than childcare providers successfully.

Wouldn’t it be such a nice relief to know your children are getting the same level of structure and education that they get at school? Not to mention the added bonus of summer fun every day in a summer camp.

If you are looking for some summer fun as well as your child having the opportunity to continue to grow, learn new skills and be engaged throughout the camp, check out the Wellness Connection Summer Camps.

As a Mental Health Therapist at Wellness Connection and a former teacher in Fairfax and Prince William Counties, I have helped design four Wellness Summer Camps. Our camps include a foundation in nutrition, social skills, mental and physical health, and we did not forget to jam pack each week with essential summer fun!

We Make Wellness Fun

Below are only the highlights of what we have planned for your child: 

-   Social Skills – Engage with other peers in age appropriate ways. Learn how to navigate everyday experiences successfully. Understand verbal and nonverbal communication. See social cues, interpret them and interact with ease.

-   Nutrition – Learn that what we put in our bodies is our fuel. Items we consume cause different moods and affect our health. There will be opportunities to try new fruits and veggies, make tasty smoothies, learn healthy snack options and create artwork with fruits and veggies.

-   Mental Health – Improve self-esteem, self-confidence and self-care.  Handle emotions as they come up in healthy ways, including the tricky emotions of stress and anger.

-   Physical Health & Activity – Participate in obstacle courses, trail walks, introductions to Yoga and Zumba and sharing sport skills each child brings to the camp. Learn about listening to our bodies and including play or physical activity every day.

-   Summer Fun – In addition to daily fun and laughter, we have an amazing field trip planned to Great Country Farms every Friday. Kids will experience a working farm and explore fun outdoor activities.

Each of our summer camps is run by Professional Teachers, Mental Health Therapists and Occupational Therapists.  As a Therapist I specialize in working with children, teens and young adults through client centered, cognitive behavioral and art/play therapy counseling approaches. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to incorporate my experience and skills into these educational camps. I look forward to a fantastic, fun packed summer at Wellness Connection. The amazing skills of our passionate professionals have combined to offer endless opportunities for your child this summer!

Visit the camps tab on our website to learn more and sign up.

Hope to see your kids this summer!

 http://wellnessconnectionllc.com/resources/camps-4/