Big Emotions Bootcamp 🌱
A 4-week emotional skills workshop for kids ages 9–12 — where feelings get names, big emotions become manageable, and kids leave more confident than ever.
June 2026
Every Wednesday · 5:30–6:30 PM
Ages 9–12
What Is Big Emotions Bootcamp?
Big Emotions Bootcamp is a fun, hands-on workshop designed to give kids the emotional tools they need to thrive. Over 4 Wednesday evenings in June, your child will explore feelings, learn healthy coping strategies, and build real confidence in a safe, supportive group setting.
Led by a certified Social Emotional Wellness Coach and Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student, every session blends art-based activities, movement, and conversation to make learning feel like play.
Program At a Glance
- 📅 4 Wednesdays in June
- ⏰ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- 👧 Ages 9–12
- 👥 Small groups of 6–10 kids
- 📍 Southside Cultural Arts Center (FTL)
- 🎨 Art-based & hands-on
- 💰 $200
What Kids Will Learn
By the end of the bootcamp, your child will walk away with real, lasting emotional skills — not just ideas, but tools they can actually use.
Understand Emotions
Learn what emotions are, why we feel them, and why they matter.
Name Their Feelings
Identify and put words to complex feelings — a superpower for any age.
Healthy Coping Skills
Discover strategies that actually work when big emotions show up.
Emotional Regulation
Practice calming techniques to feel more in control — not overwhelmed.
Build Confidence
Grow communication skills and self-belief through group activities.
Feel Less Overwhelmed
Leave each session with tools to handle whatever comes next.
4 Weeks · 4 Transformations
Each session builds on the last, creating a natural journey from awareness to action.
1
Week 1 · June
Meet Your Emotions — Name feelings, explore the emotion wheel, and discover why all emotions are valid.
2
Week 2 · June
Emotions in the Body — Where do feelings live? Learn to notice physical cues before they escalate.
3
Week 3 · June
Coping Toolbox — Build a personal set of healthy coping tools through art and creative exercises.
4
Week 4 · June
Confidence & Communication — Practice expressing emotions clearly and leave with a confidence boost.
Why This Workshop Works
Research shows that kids who develop emotional literacy are better equipped for school, friendships, and life. This bootcamp blends proven Social Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks with art-based activities — making it both effective and genuinely enjoyable for kids.
The small group size (6–10 kids) means every child gets real attention, space to share, and a sense of community that makes the learning stick.
Evidence-Based
Rooted in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) research and best practices.
Art-Based Learning
Creative expression helps kids process feelings that are hard to say out loud.
Safe & Structured
A consistent format gives kids the safety to open up and truly engage.
Is This Right for My Child?
This workshop is a great fit for kids who experience any of the following:
Feels Easily Overwhelmed
Big feelings that seem hard to manage or bounce back from quickly.
Struggles to Express Feelings
Has a hard time putting words to emotions or communicating needs.
Experiences Worry or Anxiety
Feels nervous, worried, or on edge more often than feels comfortable.
Wants Better Relationships
Ready to improve communication and connection with friends and family.
Meet Your Facilitator
Nasia (Nas) James
Social Emotional Wellness Coach
Marriage and Family Therapy, Graduate Student
Your child will be guided by a passionate Social Emotional Wellness Coach who is also completing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This unique combination means deep knowledge of child development, emotional health, and how to make learning feel safe and engaging.
Every session is thoughtfully designed with kids' wellbeing at the center — warm, structured, creative, and age-appropriate for 9–12 year olds.
SE Wellness Coach
Trained coach in Social Emotional Learning
MFT Graduate
Advanced study in family & child development
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy?
No. This is a skill-building workshop, not a clinical or therapeutic service. It is not a substitute for mental health treatment.
What if my child misses a session?
Each week builds on the last, so attendance matters. We'll do our best to help your child catch up if something comes up.
How many kids will be in the group?
We keep groups small — just 6 to 10 children — so every kid gets individual attention and feels seen.
What should my child bring?
Just themselves! All materials for art-based activities are provided. Comfortable, casual clothes are recommended.
Is it okay if my child is shy?
Absolutely. The workshop is designed to be welcoming at every comfort level. Kids are never pressured to share more than they want to.
What ages is this for?
Big Emotions Bootcamp is designed specifically for children ages 9–12, so the content is always age-appropriate.
Ready to Give Your Child a Superpower?
Spots fill up fast — this is a small-group experience by design. Register today to secure your child's place in the June cohort and give them tools they'll use for life.
4
Weeks of Learning
Every Wednesday in June
60
Minutes Per Session
5:30 – 6:30 PM each week
10
Kids Max Per Group
Small group for big impact
6
Core Skills Taught
Tools kids carry for life
Questions? Reach out anytime. This workshop is open to all community families — no referral needed.
Get in Touch
Get in Touch
Have questions about Big Emotions Bootcamp or ready to enroll your child? We're here to provide all the answers you need. Feel free to contact us directly.