Nature Market Makers Camp
All kids ages 7-10 years old (Drop-off)
June 22nd- June 26th, Monday-Friday
9:30am- 12:30pm
Bring a packed lunch/snack
Join us this summer to foster your child’s inner entrepeneur!
Led by pediatric occupational therapist; your child will learn essential life skills including executive functioning skills (organization, time management, planning, executing, flexible thinking, problem solving) along with emotional regulation skills, teamwork, and communication in a fun, supportive environment through PLAY.
The market makers will use elements in nature along with some provided supplies to develop ideas and create goods/services to “sell” at the family market at the end of the week. Market Makers “Dollars” will be earned throughout the week for the participant to use with their families at the market.
The camp will include group games, nature exploration, activities, and a healthy group snack activity on Wednesday provided. The camp will run in all weather unless safety is compromised- then a makeup date will be provided.
Camp Schedule
Monday: Idea Building + Team Formation
Team-building and nature exploration games
Brainstorming ideas for the camp “market”
Choosing individual or group projects
Beginning simple planning for the week
Focus skills: planning, communication, teamwork, flexibility, engagement
Tuesday: Creating + Problem-Solving
Hands-on building and crafting projects
Developing products or services for the market
Cooperative group games and challenges
Adjusting ideas when things don’t go as expected
Focus skills: problem-solving, sequencing, emotional regulation, fine/gross motor skills, cognitive flexibility
Wednesday: Group Snack-Making Day
Campers create their own snack using provided ingredients
Following step-by-step directions to build snack independently
Continued project work
Movement and regulation-based games in nature
Focus skills: sequencing, independence, fine motor skills, working memory, self-regulation, patience, and flexibility
Thursday: Market Prep Day
Finalizing products or services
Creating signs, labels, and simple descriptions
Practicing how to explain and share their work
Role-playing market interactions
Organizing “market stations”
Focus skills: executive functioning (organization, planning, follow-through), communication, confidence building, emotional regulation in social situations, fine motor skills
Friday: Family Market Day!
Families are invited to attend the market! (12:00-1:00PM)
Campers set up and run their own market stations
The morning is spent playing games, finalizing finishing touches, setting up, and practicing before the family market starts
Families visit, explore, and interact with what children created (12:00-1:00PM)
Children practice explaining and sharing their work
Celebration and reflection of the week’s learning
Focus skills: real-world executive functioning, social communication, independence, confidence, problem-solving, and pride in accomplishment
