SUMMER CAMP: MORNING Find your Rhythm Ages 7-10 years

AGES: 8-10 YEARS 

All children welcome but intended for children with mild to moderate developmental delay.

Participation Requirements

• Children must have mobility skills that lend to navigating an outdoor environment with minimal physical assistance. 

• Potty trained is preferred.

• Class size is intentionally small, with a 3:1 child-to-adult ratio, to ensure individualized support and meaningful connection.

• We cannot offer one to one support.  If you have personal care attendant support, that person is welcome to join your child.

• We are not equipped to manage children in a group who has significant aggression. If your child has difficulty being in group settings and persistently is aggressive toward others (hit, bite, push, kick), this may not be a good fit. 

• If your child elopes or runs away frequently and is still learning safety awareness, this may not be a good fit at this time.

FIND YOUR RHYTHM DESCRIPTION

Rhythm, Movement, and Regulation

This camp offers a rich, multi-sensory experience with a strong emphasis on rhythm and movement as foundational tools for development. Rhythm helps the nervous system organize and supports children in finding an internal sense of timing, predictability, and flow—key components for self-regulation, communication, and motor planning.

Regulation refers to a child’s ability to reach a calm, alert, and ready state for participation. When children feel regulated, learning, connection, and play come more naturally. Rhythm supports regulation by offering the body and brain consistent, predictable patterns that help children feel safe and grounded.

Throughout camp, rhythm is naturally embedded through:

• Movement and body-based play

• Music, song, and sound

• Repetitive and predictable activity sequences

• Nature-based routines and transitions

These rhythmic experiences support the development of speech and language, motor coordination, attention, and emotional regulation for all children—regardless of developmental profile.

Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional themes are gently introduced through puppetry, storytelling, and books, providing developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to explore feelings, relationships, and problem-solving in a playful, non-pressured way.

The Power of Drumming & Drum Circles

Drumming and drum circles are an integral part of this camp’s rhythm-based approach. Drumming offers a powerful, whole-body experience that naturally supports regulation, connection, and communication in children of all abilities.

The steady beat of a drum provides clear, predictable sensory input that helps organize the nervous system. This rhythmic input supports self-regulation, attention, and emotional grounding, allowing children to feel more settled and ready to participate in play and learning.

Drumming also supports development in meaningful ways:

• Speech and language: Rhythm and timing are foundational to speech patterns, phrasing, and expressive communication.

• Motor coordination: Bilateral movement, hand-eye coordination, and motor planning are naturally practiced through drumming.

• Social connection: Drum circles foster shared attention, turn-taking, listening, and a sense of belonging without requiring verbal interaction.

• Emotional expression: Drumming offers a safe and joyful outlet for energy, feelings, and self-expression.

In a drum circle, children are invited—not required—to participate at their own comfort level. Some may drum actively, others may listen, sway, or observe. All forms of participation are honored. This inclusive approach supports autonomy while creating a shared rhythmic experience that strengthens connection and community.

Through drumming, children experience rhythm not just as sound, but as a felt sense in the body—supporting regulation, joy, and authentic engagement.

Nature Connection Through Art

Nature connection is woven into every day of Find Your Rhythm Camp. Children are invited to explore the natural world through developmentally appropriate, hands-on creative experiences using natural materials, seasonal treasures, and interactions with animals when appropriate. Art activities are thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity while supporting fine motor development, bilateral coordination, and problem-solving. Campers may use real tools, such as child-safe hammers and woodworking materials, to build confidence, develop practical skills, and experience the satisfaction of creating with their hands. Each activity encourages curiosity, self-expression, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature.