Summer camp is all about swimming, ice pops and fun in the sun. At Stein Yeshiva’s Camp Shemesh, it also includes innovative approaches to child development, focusing on emotional wellness and regulation. With the guidance of Yali Szulanski, an emotional wellness specialist and trauma-informed therapist, children aged 2-6 are learning essential tools to manage their big feelings. By introducing language for core emotions like anger, fear and sadness, as well as complex ones like overwhelm and frustration, campers are empowered to express themselves effectively.
Furthermore, through engaging breathing exercises like the silly egg breath—where children gather their feelings into an imaginary egg, take a deep breath, and “crack” it open with laughter—campers are learning to regulate their bodies and calm down when overwhelmed. This imaginative technique helps children to physically and mentally release tension, replacing it with a sense of calm and control. By introducing simple yet effective breathing exercises and fostering open conversations about feelings, Camp Shemesh is creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
The impact of these practices extends beyond the camp setting. Children are enthusiastically sharing their new skills with parents and siblings, creating a ripple effect of emotional intelligence within families. Campers have reported using these breathing techniques to manage challenging situations at home and beyond, demonstrating a tangible improvement in their ability to make thoughtful decisions even when faced with strong emotions.
One six year old camper shared, “Now when I get mad at my brother, I do one of our breathing [tools], and I calm down enough to ask for help from a grownup.”
Another four year old camper shared, “I used the breath when I was scared at night and couldn’t go to sleep.”
Morah Yali’s work at Camp Shemesh is a testament to the importance of early childhood emotional development. By equipping young children with the tools to understand and manage their feelings, the camp is fostering a foundation for lifelong emotional well-being. As these children grow, the skills they’ve learned at camp will serve as invaluable tools for building strong relationships, overcoming challenges, and achieving their full potential. Camp Shemesh is not just a place where children have fun; it’s a place where they learn to embrace their emotions, build resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning and self-discovery.
