For many people, social skills just come naturally. Sure, everyone feels socially awkward occasionally, but it’s generally a situational challenge.
For those with a variety of learning differences, though, that skill set provides a constant challenge – and for teens, it is especially important to learn how to overcome those challenges.
Miriam’s Teen Social Skills Camp provided a fun, engaging way for teens to work on social skills in a safe environment. They used a curriculum – Everyday Speech – that teaches social communication and social-emotional skills with video-modeling lessons, behavior strategies and interactive activities.
“We had two fabulous instructors, who real
ly understand and value the importance of developing strong social skills,” says Becky Young, special education supervisor and camp director.
Campers participated in fun, typical camp activities – with a twist. For instance, when they tie-dyed t-shirts, it was not just about creating cool shirts. The instructors set up it up so each camper was responsible for a certain color. They each asked their peers whether they wanted the color, and where on the shirt they wanted it. So even something as simple as creating camp shirts became an exercise where campers had to use the social skills they had been developing.
“When you’re not born with the ability to observe the people around you and pick up on those social cues and utilize them,” says Lauren Leibrecht, one of the camp instructors, “you need that instruction that’s going to teach you how to be a flexible thinker, how to start a conversation, how to reject an invitation – you know, all these things that teenagers need to do to function in their daily lives.”
A primary goal of the camp was making and keeping friends. They learned the skills to help and then built on them as the camp progressed. They learned about greeting others, joining a group, starting a conversation, asking follow-up questions, and resolving conflict. Campers had a social hour each day, and by the end of the week, instructors noticed a lot more conversation happening naturally.
“We have kids who really struggled making friends who were initiating conversation with one another and having great conversations,” Leibrecht said. “It’s pretty exciting to see.”
The instructors actually connected with campers’ families the week prior to camp to determine goals for the week. At the end of camp, they reconnect with families and caregivers to share progress and strategies. “We set them up with tools they hone in on here so they can use those outside of camp, as well.”
