This summer, My Therapy Clubhouse — Passaic’s trusted pediatric therapy center — is opening its doors for a brand-new experience: a therapeutic summer camp designed for young children ages 2-5. With a focus on DIR Floortime, occupational therapy, and individualized support, the camp promises a summer of joyful progress for children who need extra help with developmental, social or sensory challenges.

Helming the camp will be Faiga Hager, a seasoned occupational therapist and DIR Floortime specialist with a deep passion for early childhood development. With years of hands-on experience working with children facing a range of challenges — from autism and ADHD to sensory integration and anxiety — Hager will bring both clinical expertise and heartfelt dedication to every session.

“The early years are the most powerful time for development,” Hager explained to The Jewish Link. “This camp is a chance to give kids the support they need in a nurturing, fun and individualized setting.”

Set inside the newly-built, state-of-the-art gym facility in the Brookhaven Mall, the camp will offer a full-day experience that blends therapeutic intervention with play-based learning and social development. The facility includes sensory rooms, fine motor rooms, swings, obstacle courses, a ball pit, therapy spaces, and more.

“This isn’t just a camp, it’s an extension of the therapy work we do all year, brought into a fun and immersive summer format,” Hager continued. “We wanted to create something where therapy feels like play, and where every child is truly seen and supported.”

From the moment children arrive in the morning, they will be welcomed into a warm, structured environment. The day will begin with circle time, offering a gentle introduction to the day’s theme and a chance to connect with peers. As the morning progresses, children will transition into one-on-one Floortime sessions with their dedicated therapist.

“The time our campers get with the therapist is incredibly valuable,” Hager said. “With a one-to-one ratio between camper and staff, we’re able to meet each child exactly where they are. It allows for a level of connection, focus and progress that just isn’t possible in larger group settings.”

Lunch will be followed by more individualized therapy and movement-based activities. Water play and obstacle courses will help develop coordination and gross motor strength while also supporting sequencing and peer interaction.

“Everything we do has a purpose,” Hager explained. “Even when the kids are splashing in water or climbing through an obstacle course, they’re building essential life skills — like taking turns, following directions, problem solving, and communicating their needs. These moments of play are where real growth happens.”

Each afternoon will then wind down with sensory play and story-based closure. This gentle transition will help children relax and prepare for the end of the day while reinforcing the goals they’ve worked on.

“We use this time to reflect and help the children process their experiences,” Hager explained. “It’s an opportunity for them to express how they’re feeling, reinforce the social skills they practiced, and feel a sense of accomplishment before heading home,” she added.

By incorporating soothing activities, the kids will learn self-regulation techniques that help them manage their emotions. For those who have difficulty navigating their feelings, these activities provide essential tools for emotional control.

“Managing emotions is tough for any kid,” Hager continued. “That’s why we put a lot of emphasis on helping them develop the tools they need to recognize and regulate their feelings. That way when they’re faced with different situations, they know how to respond.”

Ahead of the camp’s launch, Hager is excited to see the approach making an impact on the campers. Having witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes of targeted therapy throughout her career, she’s confident that these experiences will foster positive growth.

“It’s amazing how much can happen in just a few weeks when children get this kind of support,” Hager continued. “With the right environment and activities, even small moments of progress can have a huge impact on their overall development.”

The camp is designed to remain small and personal. For families whose children receive services during the school year, it’s an opportunity to maintain, and even accelerate, progress through the summer months. For others, it may be a first entry into therapeutic support.

“Summer should be fun — and it should also be meaningful,” Hager went on to say. “We’re here to make sure it’s both.”

To learn more or register, parents can email [email protected] or call (973) 303-6257.

Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.