Expressive Explorers Creative Summer Camp: “Inside Out Emotions Adventure”
Expressive Explorers Creative Summer Camp: “Inside Out Emotions Adventure”
This 5-day program helps children explore and express different emotions in fun, creative, and healthy ways. Each day focuses on a specific emotion, with a mix of games, art activities, and reflection time to teach emotional awareness, self-expression, and empathy.
DATES: Monday through Friday June 16-20, 2025
TIME: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
AGES: 5-8 years old
Daily Focus: Each day highlights one core emotion (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust) from the Inside Out movies to help children increase their emotional understanding, develop coping skills and build relationships with others!
Day 1: Joy – Celebrating Happiness!
The day starts with a joyful Icebreaker Game: “Pass the Smile”, where kids share smiles and laughter in a circle. Campers then dive into creative activities like making “Happiness Jars” filled with happy memories and creating “Sunshine Self-Portraits” to express joy through art. A Musical Feelings Freeze Dance game lets kids move to upbeat music while posing joyfully when the music stops. The day ends with Reflection & Storytime through The Color Monster by Anna Llenas, discussing emotions and their colors.
Day 2: Sadness – Embracing Our Feelings
On Day 2, kids start by drawing things that make them feel sad during the Rainy Day Pictionary game. Campers then create “Tear Bottle Collages” using soft textures to symbolize sadness. The “Empathy Walk” helps kids listen and support each other by sharing times they felt sad. Afterward, kids create “Cozy Comfort Blanket Art” to reflect on what comforts them during tough times. The day ends with Reflection & Storytime with The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, focusing on empathy and how to support others' sadness.
Day 3: Anger – Expressing Frustration Safely
Day 3 introduces activities to safely express and release anger. The “Volcano Stomp” game lets kids stomp on bubble wrap and vocalize their frustrations. Campers then engage in “Exploding Colors Art” through splatter painting to visually express anger. In the “Angry Monster Run”, kids release their anger by pretending to be angry creatures. “Tearing & Mending” teaches them how to transform anger into something creative. The day concludes with Reflection & Storytime from When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang, encouraging healthy anger expression.
Day 4: Fear – Facing Our Worries
Day 4 focuses on confronting fears in a fun, supportive way. The “Bravery Buddies” activity encourages kids to share a fear and face it together with a partner handshake. In the “Worry Monsters” art activity, kids create monsters to represent their fears and “feed” them to let go of anxieties. Campers then face their fears in the “Obstacle Course of Courage”, tackling challenges like tunnels and balance beams. The day wraps up with kids designing “Bravery Capes” to symbolize courage. The final reflection is through Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, where bravery is explored.
Day 5: Disgust – Trusting Our Instincts
On the final day, kids explore the emotion of disgust through the “Yuck or Yum?” game, where they identify and discuss things they find disgusting. They create “Disgusting Creatures Collages” using mixed media to design silly “disgusting” monsters. The “Gross Out Relay” is a fun and messy obstacle course, while “Inside Out Masks” let kids explore mixed emotions by creating masks with two contrasting feelings. The day concludes with Reflection & Storytime from I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty, focusing on embracing different emotions.
Overall Goal:
This program helps children understand and express their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. By using creative outlets, physical activity, and storytelling, kids learn to navigate their feelings, develop emotional intelligence, and foster empathy for others.
Read the Reviews:
“My son just completed a week of art camp. This was our first experience with Florida Art Therapy Services and we had a fantastic experience. From day one, Ms. Leeanna did an amazing job, entertaining and teaching the kids about feelings. Every day, my son came home excited to tell me all the fun things they had done. When the rain threatened some of the plans, Ms. Leeanna jumped into action and turned it into an even more memorable experience for the kids by having them play in the rain, with the parents permission of course. This was one of the best camp experiences we’ve had and it is amazing to see how Ms. Leeanna goes above and beyond to ensure every kid’s unique needs are met. She was absolutely amazing, we will be back to see her.”
Paola Morgado Baquero
“My kids had so much fun. Plus, without realizing you taught this, my son had a tiny explosion this week; and when I said to breathe he actually did this time. Normally he ignores me or gets madder when I suggest that!I seriously expected a call on Monday saying to come pick up Graham due to some kind of melt down. By Tuesday I realized he loved camp too much and wouldn’t want that to happen.“
Heather F
What makes this camp different from other camps available?
1. Smaller - We are limiting to 8 children per week to allow each child 1:1 time, attention and support needed.2. Open to siblings - Everyone needs a buddy sometimes! Siblings who are cooperative with one another and within the age range are welcome to attend together!3. Breaks- We have built several small breaks into your child's day, toaccommodate for transition times and differing energy levels.4. Sensory- Each camp will include up to five centers with various sensory experiences for your child to explore daily. These include sand trays, water tables, kinetic sand, clay materials, coloring and even a puppet theater!5. Integrated- Includes multiple ways for your child to learn topics and integrate information, using creative modalities.
Sign Up for Camp!
Ready to join us for a week of fun, creativity, and emotional exploration? Sign up now to secure your spot!Sign Up Here: Register for CampRSVP: Call us at (239-297-7099) or email Liza Jean at moc.secivresyparehttraadirolf%40aziL for more information or if you have any questions.
Camp Cost: $275 per WeekThis fee includes all materials and supplies for the projects, demonstrations, 1:1 time, and sensory centers.Beverages will also be provided throughout the day.
Location:5280 Summerlin Commons Way #804, Fort Myers, FL 33907Our camp will be held at this convenient and welcoming location in Fort Myers.
Don’t miss out on a week of learning, emotional growth, and artistic expression—sign up today!