We intentionally design our STEAM projects, Social Emotional Learning activities and camp day to allow campers to practice our six EDMO® RECIPE skills. To lead with authenticity, our staff focus on building these same six skills through development and training activities similar to what campers experience. Staff also use tools like the EDMO Vibe™ Game, T-shirt Challenges and SNAPS, to praise and recognize kids when they demonstrate RECIPE skill abilities at camp or in their community.

• Responsibility.  Honoring commitments and faithfully complete tasks related to the role in a community
• Empathy. Treating others with acceptance, understanding, and a sensitivity to their diverse perspectives and experiences
• Collaboration. Working together with others towards a common goal or action
• Initiative Taking action, staying motivated, and persevering through challenges
• Problem Solving. Defining a problem, proposing solutions, testing those solutions and adapting accordingly
• Emotion Management. Being aware of and managing both positive and challenging emotions in a healthy way

*SEL skills adapted in part from the CASEL framework and the research report by Charles Smith, Ph.D., Gina McGovern, Reed Larson, Ph.D., Barbara Hillaker, Ph.D., Stephen C. Peck, Ph.D., (2016) “SEL Field Guide, Preparing Youth to Thrive: Promising Practices for Social & Emotional Learning”; David P. Weikhart, Center for Youth Program Quality.

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When campers practice and reflect on the RECIPE skills during camp, staff give them positive reinforcement and create opportunities for campers to praise each other. As they practice and praise, kids develop what experts call “emotional intelligence” or “EQ”. Below are “I” statements that capture the four mindsets that people with a high EQ practice regularly. These are the most powerful lessons that kids and staff learn at EDMO®. Do you identify with any of them? Are any of them hard for you? (There’s likely at least a few tough ones for all of us!)

Growth Mindset

• I believe intelligence can be developed.
• I embrace challenges.
• I persist in the face of setbacks.
• I see effort as the path to mastery.
• I learn from constructive feedback.
• I find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

Connected Mindset

• I understand that my actions and words ripple to all those around me.
• I make time to connect with people in person (or at least through Zoom, our balconies, our windows, from 12-feet away – however we can safely while we shelter-in-place!)
• I am curious about others who are different than me.
• I express myself genuinely and respectfully while allowing others to do the same.
• I understand my role and responsibility in the world’s ecosystem.
• I know that I have the power to create positive change in the world.

Mindfulness

• I practice being fully engaged and present at the moment.
• I observe my thoughts, emotions, and body with curiosity.
• I can label my emotions and appreciate their root cause.
• I am compassionate with myself and others.
• I ground myself with healthy tools, e.g. deep breathing, journaling, yoga, meditation.
• I express gratitude for all the good in my life.

Maker Mindset

• I creatively use my resources and adapt to constraints.
• I appreciate failure as a natural process of learning.
• I apply what I’ve learned from mistakes to improve my outcomes.
• I reflect on my uniqueness through my creations.
• I share my skills & knowledge with my community.
• I use my curiosity to drive my learning.

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As kids practice SEL skills regularly and build their EQ, they become more Curious, Courageous and Kind – universal character traits that research shows are highly predictive of high achievement and life satisfaction…i.e. Happy Grown-Ups.

How does curiosity, courage and kindness work to make us better, healthier, happier humans?

Curiosity
When our curiosity is piqued, our brain releases a chemical called dopamine that makes us feel good. Our hippocampus is also activated, which helps us form memories. That means curious kids remember more and want to learn more. Studies have also shown that when we express curiosity in others, we build closer relationships and are even perceived as more attractive by others.

Courage
At its core, courage is the willingness to act in the face of fear, uncertainty and doubt. It is a cognitive ability that can be trained. Our campers practice staying emotionally present and mindful, especially during challenging situations. That way their actions reflect positive character traits rather than negative instincts, and they build grit at the same time.

Kindness
Kindness is truly the most powerful character trait. Like most anti-depressants, acts of kindness stimulate serotonin and endorphins and reduce cortisol levels. Practicing kindness has also been shown to strengthen the heart muscle, extend your life span and reduce anxiety. That means while you’re doing good for others or the environment, you’re less stressed and happier. You’re also connecting deeply with others. No wonder you become a happier grown up!

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