Located on Manitou Beach in the Rollingbay neighborhood of Bainbridge Island, Washington on almost a 1/2 acre of outdoor space and 3,000 sq. ft. of indoor space. Everything from beach access to playing on the grass in a secure, fenced in yard with outdoor features like play structure, hammocks, kiddie pools and other water activities, sensory centers, and covered outdoor eating/art spaces, all surrounded by flowers, with a view of Seattle, Mt. Rainier and Murden Cove.
Step inside and you will find a game room with puzzles, games, Wii, and lots of books, a large living space to eat, dance, create art, watch videos & movies, and extend our play space from outdoors, a zen den/yoga studio to practice our yoga and social/emotional learning skills or just to take a break from the pack, a kitchen where we cook up yummy treats or sensory fun, a lego room filled with thousands and thousand of Lego’s to create to your hearts content or to reset with a favorite activity in a quiet area of the house.
Once you are registered you will receive the exact address, payment will be collected and forms will be sent to be filled out prior to start day.
K-8 the grade After School Social Group
Tuesdays After School DnD Social Group
Friday Morning Parent Support Group
Let’s be social together
Interested in joining for some social groups? Fill out some info below and I will be in touch shortly for payment and to acquire additional information. Excited to be able to help facilitate this social experience for you, your teen or your K-8 child(ren).
Buses from Xalilts, Sakai, and Woodward drop off on corner of Manitou and Falk if you need your child(ren) to come straight from school.
Homeschooling parents and/or kids need some time with peers? This is a great opportunity!
Interested in volunteering as a high schooler, ALP (Adult Learning Program), or parent? Contact me for more information.
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Only 8-12 kids per day! Register to save your spot!
2 adults, 1 teen and 1 ALP student/adult means 2:1 or 3:1 staff:student ratio
Open to ALL children- regardless if ND or not, fun & safe space to play and make lasting connections!
1 day/week= $200/month
2 days/week= $400/month
3 days/week= $600/month
4 days/week= $800/month
*add an additional $25/week for Mondays only
5 days/week= $1,100/month
Mondays $300/month- Sensory Friendly movie time or reading, training, spending time with animals, yoga, art, Lego's, and exploring our 8 senses in fun ways (@ Manitou Location)
Tuesdays $200/month- @Bainbridge Public Library (teens upstairs for DnD and younger kids downstairs for Lego's, Art, Reading, Improv and more)
Wednesdays $200/month- Yoga and Art day @ Manitou location
Thursdays $200/month- yoga, art, outdoor obstacle course, sensory room experience, Lego's, beach time, play structure, dog training, reading to dog/cat/Squishmallow, (check out summer offerings and see the vast array of ideas) @ Manitou location
Fridays $200/month- Games, Puzzles and more fun ideas chosen by the group, similar to summer offerings (@Manitou location)
Led by: Shea Kennedy, M.Ed- former special education teacher, certified Yoga Instructor and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator
On-site facility dog (Reggie) and therapy cat (Leo).
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Tuesdays after school at Bainbridge Public Library (FREE)
Come hang out with like minded peers in a safe environment where you can play DnD, learn to play, watch, read, write, do homework or just hang out getting cuddles, love and emotional support from Reggie the Supermutt (Certified Pet Partners Therapy Dog).
Led by: Gem Seddon, Teen Librarian and Shea Kennedy, SEL Facilitator
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Friday Mornings, 9:00am at Battle Point Park
$45/meetup
Led by: Shea Kennedy, M.Ed, Certified Yoga Instructor & Social Emotional Facilitator
Topics of discussion will vary based on group needs. (this is not therapy)
We will meet up at the covered area near tennis courts, do a little yoga together, walk the loop, and talk. Great time to do a little self care socially, emotionally and physically. Bring your babies in strollers, well behaved dogs on leash, a family member or friend, and enjoy this time together. Rain or shine!
Summer Camps
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We will focus on outdoor play at and near the beach, using things we find at the beach. We will play in and around water at the beach and in the yard. We will collect seashells, sea glass, rocks, seaweed, driftwood, etc. to make art on the beach. We will use use these items to also make a giant labyrinth. The kids will learn about the history and philosophy behind labyrinths and practice meditation using the senses (see, hear, smell, taste, touch, vestibular, proprioception and interoception). We will play in the sand at the beach, as well as hunt for sea creatures in our sensory bin full of sand and can create a zen garden in the super fine sand tray. We will listen to stories about amazing sea creatures in our PNW waters like octopus, seals, otters, sea stars, orcas, and then we will have fun making our own sea creature art to take home
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Lego camp week runs from July 9-11 and is at 9am-12pm each day.
This was such a fun camp during the school year that it had to come back for summer!
Rainbow build- Bridge build- Partner build - Marble maze -Balance Challenge-Tower race- Scavenger hunt- Monochromatic build- Self Portrait-Catapult- Zip Line
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I have so many games it’s hard to list them all but here are a few:
Chess- Uno- Dragonwood- Gubs- Sleeping Queens- Rat a Tat Cat- Guess Who?- Connect War- Machi Koro- Settlers of Catan- Mexican train dominoes- Space Escape- Blokus- Sequence- Ticket to Ride- Battleship- Sorry- Mouse Trap- Headbands- Apples to Apples- Scrabble- Yam Slam- Simon- Harry Potter Trivia- Big Fat Tomato- Sushi Go- Forbidden Island- Codenames- Telestrations- Deduckto- Monster Draw- Scategories- Telepaths- Dicecapades- Kings Corner- DragonRealm- Candy Land- Parcheesi- Life- Monopoly-
I have dozens and dozens of puzzles too ranging in size from 150-1000 pieces!
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This was such a fun camp last summer we had to bring it back!
As with most of our camps there will be various arts & crafts activities like drawing, coloring, painting, clay, beads, friendship bracelets, and chalk art.
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This was such a fun camp last summer we had to bring it back! We have fun playing with mini figurines of the cast of characters from Mario Bros. and then act out the scene with those figures. Some wanted to take on the character for themselves so we did a bit of improv as certain characters.
We will play Mario Bros. UNO and chess in pairs or small groups with a fun twist to each original game.
As with most of our camps there will be various arts & crafts activities like drawing, coloring, painting, clay, beads, friendship bracelets, and chalk art.
Best of all we will play Wii Games (Mario Kart, Mario Party, Super Mario Bros.) and, as the kids say, the “super pixelated” NES 1980‘s Mario games with corded controllers!
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Basic-We use a board game called “DnD Adventure Begins”. It is a good way to learn about DnD with a lot of structure in place. This DnD game is a collaborative game that includes a game board, mini figures, dice, health trackers, gold coins, character options, and the group battles DnD monsters together.
Intermediate: (need to be able to follow the game and maintain stamina for at least an hour, so usually best for 4th graders and up). I have a few DnD Adventure Club booklets (designed by a family on Bainbridge) for those that want a more advanced option which, of course I put a spin on it to includes scenarios that we can LARP (live action role play) with props! This comes with character sheets premade or you can edit or create your own character sheet.
Advanced: The next step up requires someone who has a history of being a “Dragon Master” and is super knowledgeable about the ins and outs of DnD. I find this is good for the oldest kids and am open to teens who want to participate or even lead this group.
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Create & act out squishmallow stories-paint squishmallow step-by-step on canvas- draw-make air dry clay squishmallows- create squishmallow snacks - tea party with squishmallows
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Press cookies and frost with your favorite colors
- make fresh fruit roll ups
- create your own waffle cone
- chocolate dipped fruit
- play games
- draw fun food art
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Select flowers to cut
- cut flowers
- arrange flowers
- paint containers for flowers-
-sell flowers & lemonade on beach
-take flower arrangement home
- press flowers
- flower art
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-Paint by numbers canvas
- Glass art
- Crochet
- Pressed flowers
- Watercolor
- Chalk partner art
- Clay creations
-Friendship bracelets
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-Read books to therapy animals
-Listen to books
- Discuss books with others
- press flowers for book marks
- write short story in preferred format
- share story with others
- fill out book tracker for summer reading
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-Create iMovie to share with friends
- Choose a topic
- take pictures
- record videos
- add music
- learn how to add transitions
- give credit to those that helped
- watch trailers for inspiration
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We will explore the 8 senses (see, hear, smell, taste, touch, vestibular, proprioception and interoception) through art, games & activities. We will explore various fidgets/focus tools to learn what works best for each person to learn, listen, play, and think.
We will listen to stories and discuss different abilities, sensory sensitivities, how our brains uniquely function in relation to focus, motor movements, communication, socialization, and rest. We will explore ways to take breaks to help your sensory system and learn what works best for each person as to how they communicate those needs to peers and adults.
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Animal Training camp week runs from Aug 19-21 and is at 9am-12pm each day.
-Learn how animals communicate
- understand when an animal is showing signs of stress & what to do
- practice reinforcing behaviors to teach animals basic obedience or fun tricks
- practice with your own animal (however you do not need to have an animal at home to train)
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Yoga camp week runs from Aug 19-21 and is at 12pm-3pm each day.
Learn different types of breathing techniques
- Practice yoga poses
- Understand & communicate feelings
- Use senses to regulate emotions
- make rock cairns and dream catchers
FAQs
Billing & Papework Questions
How do I pay for the camp?
Once you register I will email an invoice. Payment is due in full within 10 days of registering or on the first day of camp (whichever is less).
If I change my mind and want to cancel the camp can I get a refund?
No. Refunds are not available once you have registered and paid.
Do you accept credit cards, Venmo or Zelle?
Yes, you will be billed a 4% fee for anything other than a check. If you would like to mail or drop off a check my address will be on the invoice.
Is this all the paperwork I need to do to register my child(ren) for camp(s)?
You will be emailed additional paperwork that must be filled out prior to June 15th.
Can I get a discount for siblings?
No, sorry. Not unless it’s a financial hardship AND I have received donation money from other families to offset the costs.
Is it $375 for the day or per camp?
It is $375 per camp.
Do you offer discounts or scholarships?
Yes- I do! If it is ever a financial hardship to cover the cost of the camps I will willingly work with you to figure out a reasonable price.
Neurodiversity Questions
Do you need a diagnosis to join?
NO-these camps are great for any child! In every camp we focus on building connections through a shared interest, learning about and supporting differences, emphasizing empathy & compassion, and encouraging self-advocacy.
Do you need to be neurodivergent to join?
NO- these camps are neurodiversity-affirming which means supportive for neurodiverse brains (neurodivergent and neurotypical).
Do you accept kids that are neurodivergent?
Yes! We love working with kids that are Autistic and ADHD, as well as many other neurodivergences. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Other Misc. Questions
Can you do both the AM and PM camps?
Yes! We would love to have continuity from one camp to the next.
Do you have to do both the AM and PM camps?
No- we understand that shared interests vary by child so what is offered in the AM may not be of interest compared to what is offered in the PM. However, I did try to group AM and PM camps so they were shared interests for most kids.
What age can attend?
See ages in each description. However, these are NOT set in stone. If you have a child that REALLY wants to do a certain camp but is outside the age ranges just contact me and we will work something out. I want these camps to be inclusive for ALL so no matter what we will find a way to make it work.
NEW CAMP this MARCH!
Once you fill out this form and hit SUBMIT I will contact you for payment information and additional paperwork.
KIDS
NEURODIVERGENT
SOCIAL CAMP
March 2024- Minecraft Camp
Wednesdays @4:15-5:30
$299 total
4 weeks to learn how to build biomes, houses, and farms using a secure, private server.
This camp is limited to 6 kids!
Each child will need to bring a home chromebook (not from school) laptop, or iPad (maybe with an external keyboard if they prefer that).
In order to connect onto the java server we created they will need to have a device that is capable of supporting the newest version of Minecraft (1.20.4).
They will need to play on “survival mode”. Which can be a positive because if you lose a life you can respawn at your base.
“Creative mode” can get boring really fast because there aren’t any challenges.
“Hardcore mode” doesn’t allow respawning. You can only spectate the world.
Experience is not necessary.
Week 1- Learn how to build a house and craft basic materials. Spawn into a world and you will be given specific coordinates to a biome of your choosing. At those coordiantes there will be a starter pack which includes a shulker box with an elytra, a stack of firework rockets, iron tools, and some food. Then they will get wings!!!
Week 2- Diamond mining and armor upgrades (netherite and trims available)
Week 3- Automatic farm building (super smelter, cactus farm, and food farm)
Week 4- Mob farm building (xp creeper, zombie, spider, gold, enderman farm, dragon egg)
***Every week they will mine for gold to buy things in the end dimension of Luke’s shop.
***Each week there will be surprises in the game.
Luke (age 15) & Shea Kennedy (age 46), who are neurodivergent themselves, strive to facilitate healthy, social connections through shared interests with neurodivergent youth.
As always, in any of our camps, we openly discuss neurodivergence especially the autistic, anxious, ADHD, dyslexic, dysgraphic, dyscalculic, CPTSD, PDA brains we are most familiar with through lived experience.
We discuss allistic and autistic communication differences and specific characteristics of different neurotypes.
We recognize each individual when dysregulated and work with them offering and encouraging strategies to support problem solving and decision making.
We celebrate neurodivergent differences with materials that normalize different neurotypes. We have neurodivergent art, books, and other positive neurodivergent representation readily available for ease of reference and to foster curiosity.
This camp is specifically meant to foster parallel and cooperative play while focusing on an individual’s monotropic interest in a positive, low-demand, inclusive, and flexible environment.
We always have optional seating, breaks for movement, snacks, water, comfort items, and fidgets readily available.
We work with your child to alter or adjust the environment to meet their needs.
We encourage bringing sound blocking headphones, fidgets, and other personal items for each person to adjust to the new setting that will help make them feel most comfortable.
Transitions are challenging for us monotropes so we discuss different options to lead us on the path towards a shared or individual goal. Meaning, if someone needs to continue working a little longer on something we provide that space and time. This creates a sense of self that feels validated, increases trust between us, and thereby increases communication and the ability to handle a demand with less anxiety or frustration.
We work together to learn each others “window of tolerance”. The goal of these groups is to not only function but thrive, learn, play, communicate, connect and have fun with like minded peers. When this happens it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for ourselves.
And that is why I created Neurodivergent Bridges Social Camps.
We are not teaching “social skills” to learn to be neurotypical…EVER.
We do not focus on compliance over connection…EVER.
This is a safe space for your neurodivergent child to be 100% comfortable being themselves. I can promise that.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Social Group for Kids
Social groups for kids utilizing neurodiversity-affirming practices to help develop, build, and maintain connections with like- minded peers with similar interests.
These groups are purposely small to provide a step up from one-on-one therapy in OT, SLP, ABA, and/or counseling. Or, a step down from a larger after school activity that might be too confusing, overstimulating, or causing dysregulation, frustration, sadness, etc. from not fitting in, not feeling heard, or might need some more support learning to advocate for their needs.
Infographics on the various topics will be emailed home to print/share/post at home and to be used as a discussion point with the family.
Topics include: executive function skills, understanding your 8 senses- including vestibular, proprioception and interoception, socializing, daily living skills, communication, listening, learning, alexithymia, mindfulness strategies, meditation, yoga, , what to do when you meltdown or shutdown, and more!
Once a week.
Try it out sometime.
Most groups cap out at 6 children.
Depending on the children’s needs sometimes these groups might be even smaller with only 3-4 kids.
ND Affirming Social Groups
K-5th grade on Friday’s @3:45-5:45
6th-9th grade: on Monday’s @3:00-5:00
Details: 120 minutes long; weekly
Cost: $160/week
