Weekend for Improving Social Effectiveness (W.I.S.E.): Weekend overnight camp program for children to improve social-emotional and problem-solving skills through group training, recreational, and sports activities; founded more than 15 ago.
All meals and snacks are provided at the camp; special nutritional needs can be accommodated.
Session Information
Ages 7-17.
Date: August 5-7, 2011 (Friday-Sunday) overnight;
Location: Briarwood Day Camp in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (minutes from New Hope, PA;
Princeton and Flemington, NJ).
Cost: $375, includes lodging, all meals, 2 parent groups, and all camp program components
More About Camp
W.I.S.E. is designed for children with difficulties displaying appropriate social skills and problem-solving skills. The program commonly is appropriate for children with special education needs, including high-functioning Pervasive Developmental Disorders (e.g., Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS), Non-verbal Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and symptoms of anxiety, shyness, obsessive-compulsiveness, etc. A diagnosis or special education classification is not required for enrollment in W.I.S.E.
Beginning with Friday dinner after parent drop-off and ending after Sunday lunch with parent pick-up, WISE consists of Social Skills Training Groups and recreational activities such as swimming, boating, soccer, arts & crafts, and much more.
Emphasis is on cooperation rather than competition.
During social skills groups, social-emotional and problem-solving skills are taught through discussion, demonstration, role play, and positive reinforcement.
Recreational activities provide the opportunity to practice applying the newly taught skills in a controlled and supervised situation.
Children are grouped based upon age, strength and needs relative to the other children in the group, and based upon the determination of the best match with specific counselors.
*There are specific social problem-solving skills targeted for all students in the program. We also teach children how to problem-solve so they can potentially handle any social situation. Additionally, there are individual goals for each child.
*Staff members rate each child's behavior and social skills after each activity every day and provide ongoing feedback to the children. A daily scorecard and comments are sent home at the conclusion of the program.
* Parenting information is provided, focusing on gaining compliance, providing reinforcement, reducing negative behaviors, promoting social skills, generalizing positive behaviors across settings, etc.
Activities & Features
Land Sports
Basketball Soccer Softball
Water Sports
Swimming Fishing
Other Activities
Social Skills Training Problem-Solving Role Play Activities Parent Training Arts & Crafts
