Camp MakeBelieve Kids

A Social and Emotional Learning Program that Builds Emotional Competence in Children. The place where youth learn to believe in themselves.

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Academic Enrichment and the CMB Kids Program

The Camp MakeBelieve Kids social and emotional learning program most definitely falls under the category of academic enrichment. The Camp MakeBelieve program is filled with activities that are interactive, fun and most certainly raise a child’s emotional intelligence (EQ). When children go home from CMB Kids they are filled with self-esteem and self-confidence, eager to show off their projects to parents and practice their new skills with friends. But don’t let the fun characters and creative activities fool you.

The CMB Kids SEL program teaches social and emotional learning concepts in a structured setting that gives children the opportunity to share their personal feelings, personal thoughts and personal experiences. Many children are very comfortable expressing their feelings through group conversations, while others find it easier to share through writing, art, drama or group projects. The CMB Kids 8 Step program teaches concepts of social and emotional learning in a way that is fun and children will remember. Each lesson focuses on a theme, where activities and projects assist in reinforcing the lesson. Camp MakeBelieve Kids is aligned with Reading Literacy Standards and Benchmarks. Reading skills improve through the CMB Kids stories, where children can read along with the characters as the story comes to life through professional narration. Imaginative exercises allow kids to think outside the box and solve problems in a new way. Parents often report that their child is doing so much better in school since attending CMB Kids. 

Casel.org reports many studies that demonstrate children who participate in social and emotional learning programs show an increase in academics—11% and even higher. Children who are the most behind academically show the greatest improvements in reading literacy.

The Camp Makebelieve Kids is an academic enrichment program that can be customized to meet the needs of just about any population of kids. CMB Kids SEL program is used by schools that are either private, public, home or charter. 

CMB Kids is taught in After School Programs as a character education class, a supplement to reading literacy or an expressive art class.  Kids sign up again and again because it’s fun; they make friends and feel happy.

Teachers utilize the program materials as a supplement to a specific core class: reading literacy, writing or health. 

A School wide approach is extremely beneficial to students, staff, family and community with results in improved academics, better attitude and positive attachment to school. The CMB Kids program is ideal in schools that promote positive behavior support and are committed to preparing students for future social and emotional challenges. Teachers enjoy making the CMB Kids program a part of the school culture because the classroom management techniques are built into the lessons. Self-regulation of feelings, thoughts and behavior is encouraged with skills being taught in the classroom. Children become way more adept at managing their inner feelings, thoughts and behavior and getting along better with peers and adults.  

CMB Kids Program as Inter-Curricular Instruction 

Step 1:  Peer Connections:   Physical Education

Step 2:  Feelings:   Reading Literacy

Step 3:  Boundaries:   History

Step 4:  Empathy:   Language

Step 5:  Mood Management:   Math

Step 6:  Manipulation: Health class

Step 7:  Self-Regulation:   Science

Step 8:  Motivation:   Homeroom/study skills

This is a suggestion for school or school districts.  However, there are many ways to reach the same goal. Setting up a system that incorporates social and emotional learning is simple with the CMB Kids program.

CMB Kids program evaluation by UNLV; Chair of the Counseling and Educational Psychology Department, Dr. Paul Jones showed that children who participated had statistically significant behavioral and emotional improvements in 7 out of the 8 categories measured.  

CMB Kids is currently being evaluated by NREPP, the National Registry of Evidence Based Practices and Programs. CMB Kids program is a resource for: UCLA Mental Health in Schools, California After-School Resource Center and California Healthy Kids Resource Center website libraries.  

To purchase the Camp MakeBelieve Kids Program, click here.

 Testimony

"The study really shines a light on something many parents look for, but seems to elude them. Validation that the program works --RESULTS. Isn't that the biggest question you get, "What will the program give my son or daughter...what can I expect...how long will it take to see results?" I'm very proud Jake is attending the Camp MakeBelieve Kids program. The changes he's made are priceless!"

Lauren Alvaraz