Connection
This year, our team thoughtfully constructed a program that would recreate in the virtual world the community that makes being on the pier so special. Our top priority was to support our kids emotionally and help them address the feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress that many were experiencing.
Our strategy:
- Daily check-ins with staff
- 2 social workers on staff and running programs
- Social-Emotional Learning lessons, or what students lovingly called “Feelings Classes,” for Swim Sail Science
- Community-building lessons for all students
- Lots of downtime for games, icebreakers, chatting, and general silliness
“I think every year with kids at Courageous you see relationships form. I think whether online or in person, I still had those relationships form with students and coworkers… One thing Courageous does well is unity. I have always found myself making new friends, connecting with old ones, and becoming friends with my instructor. Courageous to me is one big family and I think everyone is always there to support you.”
—Jean, Swim Sail Science instructor and former Courageous kid
