A Summer of Resilience: The Emotional Growth Summer Camp in Bay Ridge

By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy

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Summer in Brooklyn is often a whirlwind of outdoor activities, travel, and sunshine. But for many children, the break from the structure of the school year can also be a time of social transition. It is the perfect season not just for physical activity, but for internal growth. This year, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy is proud to host a specialized Emotional Growth Summer Camp—a 4-week experience designed to help children build the confidence, empathy, and social tools they need to thrive.

Beyond the Typical Summer Camp

Most summer programs focus on sports or academics, but our camp focuses on the “heart” of development. We believe that emotional intelligence is the foundation for every other success in a child’s life. When a child understands their feelings, they are better equipped to handle frustration in the classroom, navigate complex friendships, and speak up for themselves with confidence.

Our group therapy programs is not a traditional classroom setting. It is a vibrant, supportive space where growth happens naturally through interaction and creativity.

Meet Your Guide: Lala Dzhafarova

The heart of this program is our Social-Emotional Coach, Lala Dzhafarova. With a deep understanding of child development and a passion for holistic growth, Lala has crafted a curriculum that speaks the natural language of childhood: play.

Each session is a carefully blended mix of movement, mindfulness, and creative expression. Lala’s approach ensures that while children are learning vital life skills—like how to manage “big emotions” or how to listen actively to a peer—they are doing so in an environment they genuinely look forward to visiting twice a week.

The Pillars of Our Curriculum: Art, Play, and Storytelling

We utilize three primary “languages” to help children explore their emotional landscapes:

1. Expression Through Art: Not every feeling has a word yet. Art allows children to externalize their inner world. Whether through painting, clay, or collaborative murals, kids learn to “show” what they are feeling, making it easier to understand and manage.

2. The Power of Storytelling: By engaging with stories and creating their own, children practice empathy. They learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes, a crucial skill for building lasting friendships and resolving conflicts.

3. Mindfulness & Movement: Emotional growth requires a calm body. We integrate simple mindfulness exercises and movement games to help children recognize the physical signs of stress or excitement, giving them the tools to self-regulate in real-time.

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Tailored for Every Developmental Stage

To ensure every child receives age-appropriate support, our camp is divided into two distinct age cohorts.

Ages 5–7: Building the Foundation

At this stage, children are learning the basics of social interaction and emotional labeling. Our sessions for the younger group focus on:

• Identifying basic emotions (Happy, Sad, Angry, Brave).

• Learning how to share space and resources with peers.

• Building the confidence to try new things and participate in group activities.

Ages 8–10: Navigating Complexity

As children grow, their social worlds become more nuanced. Our sessions for the older group dive deeper into:

• Complex social-emotional skills like perspective-taking and empathy.

• Developing healthy boundaries and effective communication.

• Managing peer pressure and building a resilient sense of self-worth.

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Program Logistics & Enrollment

We offer two 4-week cycles to fit your family’s summer schedule. Each cycle meets twice a week at our aesthetic and calming office in the heart of Bay Ridge.

Schedule & Location

Location: Resilient Mind Psychotherapy | 541 Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn

• Ages 5–7: Wednesday & Friday | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Ages 8–10: Wednesday & Friday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Important Dates

• Cycle 1: July 8 – July 31

• Cycle 2: August 5 – August 28

Investment in Growth

We believe in making high-quality emotional support accessible.

• Early Bird (Book by May 31): $520 per cycle

• Regular Rate: $580 per cycle

• Healthy Snacks: Included in every session to keep energy levels steady.

Special Discounts: We offer sibling discounts and “Two Cycle Bundle” rates for families looking for a full summer of support.

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Secure Your Child’s Spot

Because we prioritize a small group setting to ensure every child receives personalized attention from Coach Lala, spots are strictly limited. This intimate environment allows us to foster deep connections and ensure that no child gets lost in the crowd.

Give your child a summer that lasts a lifetime. Help them return to school in September with a stronger sense of self, a toolkit of coping strategies, and the social confidence to build meaningful connections.