Our Winston Salem campus offers Day Treatment counseling services to the students of Kingswood Academy during the school year. But in the summer, we offer something even cooler. Our Day Treatment students have the opportunity to join us for our Summer Enrichment Program five days a week. Crossnore has offered the Summer Program for three years now, and the kids love it.
The children continue receiving individual, group, and family therapy throughout the summer. Our children’s weekly individual therapy sessions are tailored to meet their specific needs, and we also provide group therapy daily. This summer’s focus has been emotional regulation.
Summer Camp Fun
We offer many other activities as well – Adventure Based Counseling (High Ropes Course and therapeutic games), Zumba, Bike Riding, Art, STEM activities, dance, and sports! On Fridays, the students get to go on an array of field trips. This year, we are going to the movies, the Museum of Anthropology, the Greensboro Children’s Museum, the Tanglewood Water Park, bowling, Celebration Station, and Hanging Rock. They have also visited the Natural Science Center, Kerner’s Folly, SECCA, Tiger World, Surge Trampoline Park and more.
Each summer, outside vendors and volunteers help with the program, coming in and teaching the kids new skills or talents. This year, our children are learning painting from a professional artist, are participating in planned physical health and exercise activities, and are learning different types of dance. Summer Camp caps off with an annual Field Day, the highlight of the year. Last year the staff surprised the students with a water balloon challenge, and it was a favorite moment for both students and staff members.
Building Trust & Relationships
Kasshema Samuels, our Director of Day Treatment, says that her favorite part of the Summer Enrichment Program is seeing the progress the children make. They may start out by saying “I don’t want to go, Mom!” but by the end they’re celebrating over earning the Friday Field Trip! Kasshema also loves that the children are getting opportunities here they might not get at home. She says, “It makes me smile to see kids who don’t own bikes get to ride freely on campus and be proud that they were able to do so.”
In addition to continuing to provide our students with the therapy services they need, the main purpose of the Summer Enrichment Program is to build relationships and trust between the students and staff. Amber Jones, Lead Day Treatment Case Manager, says, “I hope that the kids gain a sense of trust with the staff, as well learn new interventions to manage their symptoms while providing a sense of autonomy.” Sarah Cable, Assistant Director of Day Treatment, agrees. “I hope the kids gain a trust and a sense of safety with us. We can really build relationships with the kids in the summer because we have no other directions.”
An Amazing Staff
When asked about our awesome Day Treatment staff, Sarah says, “They are amazing. We are all so resilient and can laugh, even on the hard days. That is what makes us special.” Amber is proud to be part of the Day Treatment team and brags on their ability to work together and communicate effectively to best meet the needs of each child. Kasshema agrees and adds, “They are not just staff. They are superheroes!”
Our Summer Enrichment Program is surely something special, and we are so happy to get to serve at-risk children all year round. We are always looking for volunteers who would like to come in and teach our children a cool skill or lead them in a special activity. You can also donate to help with the program, and of course, you can pray!
If you would like to help out with the Summer Enrichment Program, please call Kasshema Samuels, our Director of Day Treatment, at 336-721-7600 or email her at ksamuels@crossnore.org.
