Be Yourself

It is so important to always be yourself! This means to be true to your core identity rather than faking a different one out of fear of what others may think, or by trying to appear more attractive to others. Being yourself is important because it allows for other people to get to know the real you. It allows us to make friends, and choose the people we want to surround ourselves with. Sometimes, kids prefer to spend a lot of their free time alone, and that is okay too. Being able to be happy with yourself and enjoy your own company is truly the best feeling.

This week, we spent some time talking mainly to the older kids about their new schools, and how they are liking school. To our surprise, we were sad to hear that some of them were having a difficult time due to the way some of the other kids had been treating them. We reminded them that if kids are mean to them, it is only because they are insecure, and wish they could be as cool as them. We also reminded them to continue to be their authentic selves. Being picked on is never fun, but if you keep being yourself, you will show the bully that you are better than them. You must not let mean people get under your skin. Show them that you are stronger, and that you will always strive to be the bigger person.

Aside from encountering a few mean kids at school, they all seem to be enjoying school. They have made new friends, joined clubs, and formed new hobbies. Starting at a new school can always be scary, but it allows for more opportunities and experiences along the way. One of our long term members, Sasha, just started high school. We could tell she was a little nervous at first, but we are so proud of her for how involved with school she is already getting. She is doing great in her art class, and she has already joined around five different clubs. We are super proud of all of our TaleTree kids as they embark on new journeys in their lives.

What Makes You, You?

When you think about yourself, what comes to mind? How would you describe yourself to a stranger? Are you kind, outgoing, shy, artistic, funny, loving, goofy, etc. ? There are so many words we can use to describe ourselves, and it is good to think about them every once in awhile. Some characteristics that make you, you, are the things you love, and your hobbies. All of our kids at TaleTree love art, but is it the creations they make, and the art style they use that make them all different. Yes, we can have many similar hobbies to other people, but it is the way that we explore these hobbies that make us unique. Take some time to think about your favorite things, and what makes you so special.

Sept 2022 Special Camp- Music is Magic!

We all love music, although the type of music we love might be different. At our September Special Camp , we will host Eugene, a great pianist who will play a few pieces of music you might love already. Eugene is asking what your favorite music is, and what you see in your mind when you listen to that music. Close your eyes and imagine a scene that goes with your favorite piece of music.

What if I Created a Cafe for Kids?

Create your own cafe and think about who you want to host there! What kind of activities would you do there and what would you serve? Food, drinks, and anything else?

Learning Animal Series #3- Tapir

Have you ever heard about tapirs? They are herbivores that are relatives of rhinos. There are 5 species of tapirs in the world. They love to swim. What else do you know about them? Show us a few fun facts about them!

Three Favorite Sounds

I don't like upset people yelling or the sound of a car honking. Do you? I do love the sounds of owls' hooting and ocean waves though. Close your eyes and imagine the sounds you love. What are the top three sounds you love? Can you draw those three things that make your favorite sounds?