[ENCORE] Ep. 52: 9 Ways to Help Kids Process Summer Camp and Other Experiences

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In Episode 52, Sara Kuljis and I chat about ways to help our kids process experiences. The ideas work for post-summer camp debriefing but also for our kids’ other adventures and experiences.

Sara is a 20-year veteran camp director and parenting trainer who has great insights and ideas about parenting and counseling kids.

Sara, with her husband Steve, owns and directs Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp, a Christian adventure camp for children ages 8 to 16 years old founded 45 years ago by Sara’s parents Jim and Marna Slevcove. Together, the Kuljises also direct Emerald Cove Day Camp in San Juan Capistrano, a day camp that serves children from kindergarten through 4th grade.

Audrey Monke (Owner of Gold Arrow Camp) & Sara Kuljis (Owner of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp & Emerald Cove Day Camp)

9 Ways to Help Kids Process Experiences

Check out Audrey “Sunshine” Monke’s book, Happy Campers, for more tips on raising thriving future adults!

Plan time to rest/process.
Listen to their stories.
Look through photos together.
Ask thoughtful questions:
• What did you enjoy/love?
• What was challenging?
• When (not if!) you do it again, what will you do differently?
Avoid “interviewing for pain” (Wendy Mogel).
Bring home a ritual or tradition:
• Flower Sundays
• 3 Reasons to Give Your Kid a WOW Today
• Goodnight Song
Continue with an interest that’s been sparked (archery, guitar, etc.).
Create a remembrance.
Encourage kids to stay in touch with new friends.