Camp Connect was created to provide the opportunity for teens with selective mutism and social anxiety to explore and build relationships with peers in a safe and welcoming space. Camp Connect creates natural and guided opportunities to connect with others, self-disclose, and learn about commonalities and differences. We do this in a small group setting that fosters openness and comfort.

Camp Connect is hosted by the founder of Whole Child, Emily Niemeyer, MA, LBA, BCBA and her colleagues for 5-7 days in summer. The Camp Connect small group experience is offered twice each summer. During this time, we are based at a camp venue in the woods of Minnesota. We also spend a portion of our time participating in off-site field trips for exposure and adventure. The two group dates for summer 2025 are June 16-20th and July 28th through August 1st. Online and in-person lead-ins are available prior to the camp start date. Campers are required to establish a relationship with Camp Connect staff and other campers prior to camp entry.

Camp Connect is a day camp that runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. During this time, we participate in a host of activities that are aimed at promoting peer connection, developing social-emotional skills, and building social confidence and leadership. You might find us doing SLP lead yoga outdoors, learning about coping skills, practicing assertiveness, or doing a group art project that requires collaboration, a sharing of ideas, and communication. We weave team-building activities, parent education and support, and school-based skills (like a group-based project) into the camp curriculum. Certain days, we host evening activities to supplement our day camp experience, which includes a family night with a bonfire and family dynamics work on iconic Lake Minnetonka.

Camp Connect is rooted in behavior therapy and uses techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Behavior Change, Natural Environment Teaching, and the adapted ABA principles of learning. These principles and techniques are creatively woven throughout the camp experience. Campers learn to apply techniques that promote psychological flexibility, social skills development, and anxiety reduction to move towards meaningful personal outcomes. All of our behavioral techniques are implemented through a trauma-informed, client centered and neurodiversity affirming lens.

Camp Connect is limited to 8 campers identifying as female between the ages of 11-17. Some exceptions can be made to our age policy on a case-by-case basis. The camp is led by behavioral practitioners experienced in Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety and includes the support of peer mentors who join us to prompt and model prosocial skills. Throughout the camp, there is a combination of 1:1 coaching, goal setting, activities in dyads, and group work. We also have visiting support from our in-house Speech Language Pathologist and other supportive additions, if necessary for programming or relevant to camper goals.

If you would like specific information on dates, locations, and cost for Camp Connect, we urge you to reach out by email or text. You can contact us at wholechild360@gmail.com or text us at (612)-867-8466 to set up a brief call to discuss more details.