August 10-14, 2026
9-3 PM
Gaithersburg, MD
We are excited to announce our very first mental health summer camp for kids 7-13 based on TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) and Making Sense of Your Worth curriculum.
Registration link for before/after care, 8-4pm: Book Now
- Click on the summer camp registration and choose any Monday on the calendar to proceed to the payment page.
Registration link for regular 9-3 pm camp: Book Now
- Click on the summer camp registration and choose any Monday on the calendar to proceed to the payment page.
Having trouble registering on the portal? You may also pay via our Paypal account under email creativecounselingconnections@yahoo.com or our Venmo account: @CreativeCounselingConnections (picture is of a tree branch)
Can’t come this year but interested for next year? Drop your email here: Interest Form
Email Rocelyn Alvarado at rocelynalvarado@umaryland.edu with questions.
FAQ’s:
Who will be running the camp?
Depending on the number of children, there will be at least one therapeutic lead (therapist or graduate intern) and at least one student volunteer for each group. If your child needs a one-on-one buddy, please let us know at creativecounselingconnections@yahoo.com so that can be planned in advance. Therapists, interns and volunteers will all be trained in TBRI and trauma-informed theory and application.
Does my child need to be an avid swimmer to attend?
No, but please send children who need swim support with a life vest each day. The pool is 5 feet in depth. For safety reasons, children will only be permitted to swim when the pool is monitored.
What can our kids/teens expect during group time?
Groups will be split up by age and will occur twice daily. The activities will include a wide range of interests so that everyone can both enjoy their typical activities and also be challenged to try new activities that perhaps they wouldn’t normally choose.
Can you tell me more about what topics will be covered?
Group games and follow up activities will support the concepts discussed within group. For instance, if group begins with the topic of “riding the waves” of emotions, we will paint a wave on a canvas. If group discussion is focused on “working together,” the group game may include a water relay game between two peers or roleplay in conflict resolution.
Topics (adjusted for age/development): understanding and riding the waves of emotions, coping strategies, conflict resolution and healthy relationships, assertiveness, flexibility. For the older group, we will delve into recovery from bullying, red flags in relationships, etc.