It’s week nine here at camp and things are starting to wrap up. Numbers have been low, and so has morale. There are still some little victories that make the days interesting and meaningful, even when we’re all feeling tired and drained.

Throughout the week, our math specialist/in-house emotional supporter/de-stresser/resident de facto grandma meets with kids from each class to talk about a plethora of topics. Sometimes it’s “math connections” from our field trips and daily life, sometimes it’s talking through a relationship, and sometimes she takes them out of class to play in the kinetic sand and unwind. Mrs. BC is a loquacious woman, but I want to hear and process everything she has to say; she is so full of wisdom. I see the kids roll their eyes when she speaks, but I know she’s making an impact.

Before camp started, we all attended a training regarding the importance of social emotional learning (SEL). In fact, Mrs. BC was the first person from the Dowd that I met at that training. I will always remember how welcome she made me feel as a new face amongst the already acquainted staff. I haven’t been in the classroom much this summer, so I can’t speak to what goes on behind closed doors, but Mrs. BC has done a fantastic job of implementing SEL into camp.

For example, each Monday, a few kids from each class meet with Mrs. BC each day to complete and discuss their “encouragement card” which is a document that the students write. They are tasked with finding things they like about themselves and are good at, writing it down, verbalizing it, and presenting it to their families at home.

Then, on Fridays, the selected campers stand up in front of the whole center at breakfast and read a statement they believe to be true about themselves, loud and proud for everyone to hear. The statements range from things like, “I am not alone,” to “I am special,” or “I am changing.” After each statement is read, the center applauds and cheers them on. Almost always, the kids walk back to their seat with a little grin.

The middle schoolers snicker and mock their friends who read their statements that week, but I have a feeling the sentiments are sticking. I am proud to be a part of an organization that promotes SEL and love among the participants and staff.