a visual snapshot of camp beginnings
Thank you to the Channel3000 news team for amazing footage!
Local News Coverage from "Time for Kids: Time to Talk Video Series"
Local News Coverage from "Time for Kids: Time to Talk Video Series"
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Camp Beginnings
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Jedi Beginnings, Ages 4-7
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July 29 - August 9, 2019
Monday - Friday | 9am - 12pm The entire two-week session will be Star Wars themed for 4K - 2nd graders, allowing kids to move through the 'ranks' as they master yoga and mindfulness skills like Yoda. Sensory exploration at nearby parks in the great outdoors will serve as a great connection point between mindfulness and outdoor play. We will try to be outside as long as the weather permits. Luke trained in nature and so will we! Focused on learning self-regulation strategies, this week is a must for parents looking to help their 4-7 year olds be more self-aware and able to express / understand their emotions. Watch out though.... they may start reminding you to take Jedi Breaths! FAQs
Q1) Can I register for just one week of the two-week session? A: Yes, however, we ask that you register for the first week, July 29 - August 2. We build on skills from week 1 in week 2. If you register for week 2, you need to be a past participant of Jedi Beginnings, or your child needs to have participated in the Jedi Training REACH class at Midvale School with Ms. Mo. Q2) Do you provide snacks? A: Yes, we provide healthy snacks such as fresh veggies, fruit, pretzels, etc. There is a health form |
that you will fill out after payment where you can put in dietary restrictions.
Q3) Are there other weeks available? A: No, the dates of July 29 - August 9 are the only weeks we offer Camp Beginnings for 4-7 year olds.
Q4) I have a 3 or 8 year old that I'd like to enroll in Camp Beginnings. Is this possible? A: Please email Moira with special considerations such as this. Typically we'll take 8 year olds, but not 3 year olds due to lack of experience in a day programs such as school, daycare or 4K.
Q5) Where is Jedi Beginnings located? A: Glenwood Moravian Church, 725 Gilmore St 53711. It's on the West side of Madison within walking distance to Wingra Park/Boats, UW Arboretum trails and Glenway Park.
Q6) Is this a religious camp? A: No, the camp is secular and teaches mindfulness from a scientific point of view.
Q3) Are there other weeks available? A: No, the dates of July 29 - August 9 are the only weeks we offer Camp Beginnings for 4-7 year olds.
Q4) I have a 3 or 8 year old that I'd like to enroll in Camp Beginnings. Is this possible? A: Please email Moira with special considerations such as this. Typically we'll take 8 year olds, but not 3 year olds due to lack of experience in a day programs such as school, daycare or 4K.
Q5) Where is Jedi Beginnings located? A: Glenwood Moravian Church, 725 Gilmore St 53711. It's on the West side of Madison within walking distance to Wingra Park/Boats, UW Arboretum trails and Glenway Park.
Q6) Is this a religious camp? A: No, the camp is secular and teaches mindfulness from a scientific point of view.
Mindful Beginnings, Ages 8-15
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Dates: August 16-18, 2019
12pm Friday - 10am Sunday Registration Deadline: August 1, 2019 In the past, Mindful Beginnings has been a 1-2 week camp for 8-15 year olds in July. We had routines that worked great for our campers: we started out in gratitude together to begin our day, practiced yoga and/or mindfulness, went outside to explore, create and play and finished our days off with art and/or cooking. In 2020, you can expect the regular 2-week camp offering to continue for 8-15 year olds. The creator of Camp Beginnings, Moira Farrell, is embarking on the journey of parenthood in 2019. Thus, the Mindful Beginnings 2019 offering has been tweaked to accommodate of growing family & to try something new- FAMILY CAMP. That's right - parents and children together, experiencing all of those same themes at a nearby park - Lake Kegonsa State Park. The goal: celebrate a community that values mindfulness, exploration & creativity in nature. |
FAQ: While the camp is geared towards 8-15 year olds, if there is a younger sibling - they are more than welcome to attend as a part of the family number. An example family unit might be two parents, a 4 year old and a 9 year old. That is totally fine! All members need to be paid for. Thank you!
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Agenda: We'll meet at group campsite D at Lake Kegonsa State Park for 12pm lunch Friday afternoon, set personal camp gear, establish community norms and go from there. We will be offering parent-child activities, as well as opportunities that are separate so parents can have moments to themselves for self-care and relaxation. Mindfulness & Yoga Instructor, Marci Speich from Backyard Yoga, will be joining us again on the instructor team to allow for unique combinations of recreation. Night games, campfire cooking, stargazing, hikes, outdoor mindfulness, and shared meals will be highlights of the three day, two night family camp. There will be down/free time built into the camp as well for families to do as they please. Families will depart after breakfast around 10am on Sunday.
Pricing/Availability: Pricing is $200 for 1 adult and 1 child, and $97.50 for each additional person. Space is limited to 2 youth and 2 adults per family and up to 20 total participants. Family price not to exceed $395.00. There needs to be at least one adult accompanying the 8-15 year old (trusted aunts, uncles or grandparents are totally welcome!).
Items to Bring: Tent, Sleeping bags, pillows, towel, toiletries, swimsuit, flashlight, bug spray, at least one pair long pants and closed shoes (for walking in the woods), water bottle and hat. Don't forget that evenings can be cooler! Musical instruments are welcome. We will have extra yoga mats, however, feel free to bring your own. A full items to bring list will be sent out in July.
What is Provided: 6 meals, instruction, cookware & gear for the cook-site / activities will be provided. If you need a tent, please ask early as we have a limited supply available.
Pricing/Availability: Pricing is $200 for 1 adult and 1 child, and $97.50 for each additional person. Space is limited to 2 youth and 2 adults per family and up to 20 total participants. Family price not to exceed $395.00. There needs to be at least one adult accompanying the 8-15 year old (trusted aunts, uncles or grandparents are totally welcome!).
Items to Bring: Tent, Sleeping bags, pillows, towel, toiletries, swimsuit, flashlight, bug spray, at least one pair long pants and closed shoes (for walking in the woods), water bottle and hat. Don't forget that evenings can be cooler! Musical instruments are welcome. We will have extra yoga mats, however, feel free to bring your own. A full items to bring list will be sent out in July.
What is Provided: 6 meals, instruction, cookware & gear for the cook-site / activities will be provided. If you need a tent, please ask early as we have a limited supply available.
Get in Touch With Us
what set's us a part
we breathe together every morning to find solutions
After campers arrive, we come together to build community by learning new breathing skills and practicing playful yoga to help focus the mind and calm the body. We also spend time learning about what it means to be a leader and how we can better learn to work together. Children will feel stronger, supported, more confident and creative after each morning community circle. We help provide strategies to deal with life's common struggles, while giving the campers encouragement and recognition for their strengths.
small teacher to student ratio for quality education
Being a part of a large group can be anxiety producing. For many, it is overstimulating, which can lead to poor decision-making and behavior problems. Hike and Heal Beginnings programs are small on purpose. Big numbers impact the quality of instruction. Our teaching team cares deeply about your child's education and sees the benefits in quality teaching.
Small learning pods will be used so that we can target the whole child and meet individual needs.
we breathe together every morning to find solutions
After campers arrive, we come together to build community by learning new breathing skills and practicing playful yoga to help focus the mind and calm the body. We also spend time learning about what it means to be a leader and how we can better learn to work together. Children will feel stronger, supported, more confident and creative after each morning community circle. We help provide strategies to deal with life's common struggles, while giving the campers encouragement and recognition for their strengths.
small teacher to student ratio for quality education
Being a part of a large group can be anxiety producing. For many, it is overstimulating, which can lead to poor decision-making and behavior problems. Hike and Heal Beginnings programs are small on purpose. Big numbers impact the quality of instruction. Our teaching team cares deeply about your child's education and sees the benefits in quality teaching.
Small learning pods will be used so that we can target the whole child and meet individual needs.
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intentional curriculum to help campers love who they are
We have developmentally designed Camp Beginnings so teaching is scaffolded, building on top of itself for advanced learning. Each week targets a specific age group, with opportunities for older campers from the previous year to register as a peer mentor. Even though each week brings a different focus, every session has three main learning components: nature, mindfulness and leadership. There's room for free play, creative expression in art and music, time to explore & wander, as well as opportunities to grow through facilitated fun. We want campers to LOVE WHO THEY ARE and be confident in their unique abilities. Questions we hope campers can answer after one week with us: How can a deeper connection to nature ignite our passions? How can mindfulness through yoga, sensory awareness and emotional learning equip us to handle the ups and downs of life? What aspects of leadership do we currently practice, and which ones do we need to add to our toolkit?
Camp Beginnings is for everyone, and we believe all children can benefit!
We utilize the 8 Shields Mentoring Model, developed by Jon Young. This is a globally known model to help develop deep nature connection using the 8 Attributes: love and forgiveness, quiet mind/presence/creativity, inner happiness, vitality, a commitment to paying it forward, empathy/respect for nature, being truly helpful, as well as full aliveness. We use this model to develop the full summer program, each week and each day which then drives our teaching and learning. For more information on the 8 Shields Model, go to http://8shields.org/
We have developmentally designed Camp Beginnings so teaching is scaffolded, building on top of itself for advanced learning. Each week targets a specific age group, with opportunities for older campers from the previous year to register as a peer mentor. Even though each week brings a different focus, every session has three main learning components: nature, mindfulness and leadership. There's room for free play, creative expression in art and music, time to explore & wander, as well as opportunities to grow through facilitated fun. We want campers to LOVE WHO THEY ARE and be confident in their unique abilities. Questions we hope campers can answer after one week with us: How can a deeper connection to nature ignite our passions? How can mindfulness through yoga, sensory awareness and emotional learning equip us to handle the ups and downs of life? What aspects of leadership do we currently practice, and which ones do we need to add to our toolkit?
Camp Beginnings is for everyone, and we believe all children can benefit!
We utilize the 8 Shields Mentoring Model, developed by Jon Young. This is a globally known model to help develop deep nature connection using the 8 Attributes: love and forgiveness, quiet mind/presence/creativity, inner happiness, vitality, a commitment to paying it forward, empathy/respect for nature, being truly helpful, as well as full aliveness. We use this model to develop the full summer program, each week and each day which then drives our teaching and learning. For more information on the 8 Shields Model, go to http://8shields.org/
Apply to be a 2019 Peer Mentor | Contact Moira to Volunteer
Camp instructors are certified educators in schools or clinical settings, and many double as certified yoga teachers!
parent testimonials
We can't thank you enough for such a richly wonderful week for Liam and Rumi and their fellow campers. On Monday morning when we dropped them off, and after 2 weeks of no school, things were very bumpy at home. But over the week, we have witnessed both kiddos connecting with the most peaceful, joyful, emotionally aware versions of themselves. Your camp has been a gift for our whole family.
--2017 Camp Begin Parent of two 7 year olds
Part of the joy of winter, for our family, is in starting to think about our summer rhythms and routines. For Shiras, she was very clear that the one thing she wanted to do this summer was return to Camp Begin. I was glad to hear this choice, because I know Camp Begin provided her with strong social-emotional learning and practice that carried over into her life at home and school.
--2017 Camp Begin Parent of a 10 year old
I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how much Lilly enjoyed her weeks with you and your team. Also, Andrea and I HUGELY appreciate the daily summary and write up. No other Summer Camps do that, so it was a really nice touch. In any case, we are looking forward to next year already.
--2017 Camp Begin Parent of a 6 year old
the research
The Children & Nature Network
The Children & Nature Network
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Studies find that youth benefit from learning mindfulness in terms of improved cognitive outcomes, social-emotional skills, and well being. In turn, such benefits may lead to long-term improvements in life. For example, social skills in kindergarten predict improved education, employment, crime, substance abuse and mental health outcomes in adulthood.
-from Mindful Schools Organization
Research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. Positive impacts include the following: 1) supporting creativity and problem solving, 2) enhancing cognitive abilities, 3) improving academic performance, 4) reducing symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), 5) increasing physical activity, 6) improving nutrition, 7) improving eyesight, 8) improving social relations, 9) improving self-discipline, and 10) reducing stress
-from NC State University's College of Design
-from Mindful Schools Organization
Research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. Positive impacts include the following: 1) supporting creativity and problem solving, 2) enhancing cognitive abilities, 3) improving academic performance, 4) reducing symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), 5) increasing physical activity, 6) improving nutrition, 7) improving eyesight, 8) improving social relations, 9) improving self-discipline, and 10) reducing stress
-from NC State University's College of Design
adult books
great research for play, connection with nature and mindfulness
great research for play, connection with nature and mindfulness
kids books
great for teaching yoga, mindfulness and nature connection
great for teaching yoga, mindfulness and nature connection
