Outdoor Adventure Camp

Nature-Based, Neurodiversity-Affirming Group Therapy for Tweens (Ages 11–13) in Ann Arbor, MI

The Outdoor Adventure Group is a 6-week, summer group therapy program designed for tweens ages 11–13. This camp-style, nature-based experience is perfect for kids who benefit from sensory-rich, relationship-focused, and experiential learning environments.

Led by licensed therapist Katie Czarnik, LMSW, the group blends therapeutic goals with outdoor play, mindfulness, and community connection, all through a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming lens.

What to Expect Each Week

Each 3-hour Friday morning session includes:

🍃 Nature-Based Activities

  • Outdoor crafts and games

  • Exploring the natural elements

  • Learning through hands-on experiences that connect kids to the environment

💬 Social Connection

  • Peer bonding activities

  • Team-building exercises

  • Supportive, therapist-facilitated discussions to build confidence and empathy

🧘 Mindfulness & Reflection

  • Grounding exercises and sensory exploration

  • Guided reflections to build emotional awareness

  • Culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate tools for self-regulation

Why Group Therapy for Tweens?

Middle school is a pivotal time for identity, emotional development, and social learning. Our group supports tweens by helping them:

  • Through interactive games, guided discussions, and shared outdoor experiences, tweens learn how to:

    • Understand and name their emotions

    • Practice empathy and perspective-taking

    • Develop conflict resolution and communication skills
      All within a safe, therapist-facilitated space where authenticity is celebrated and mistakes are seen as part of learning.

  • Many tweens feel overwhelmed by big feelings but lack the tools to cope effectively. In this group, kids are gently taught:

    • How to notice signs of stress or dysregulation in their bodies

    • Grounding techniques to soothe anxiety and overstimulation

    • Simple ways to express needs and set boundaries with peers
      All strategies are taught using developmentally appropriate language and play-based methods, honoring each child's unique learning style.

  • Our nature-based setting provides a natural invitation to slow down, tune in, and move with intention.
    Children will:

    • Engage in mindful movement, breathwork, and nature walks

    • Participate in sensory-friendly mindfulness practices that feel fun, not forced

    • Discover how the body can be a source of calm, confidence, and connection
      This helps build internal awareness and long-term self-regulation skills, especially for children who are sensory-seeking or sensitive.

  • Middle school can be a time of feeling “too much,” “not enough,” or just different. In this group, every child is met with warmth, curiosity, and unconditional positive regard.
    Kids will:

    • Be part of a small, consistent group where they can build trust and friendships

    • Express themselves through collaborative games, reflective storytelling, and creative projects

    • Feel empowered to share ideas and opinions in ways that feel safe and meaningful
      We believe that when kids feel seen and valued, they begin to believe in their own worth—and that changes everything.

Our approach is:

Dates: June 20 – August 1, 2025 (Fridays)

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Mala Child & Family Institute – Ann Arbor Office
3135 Professional Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Cost: $600 for 6 weeks

Group Information:

Is This Group Right for My Child?

This group is especially helpful for tweens who:

  • Have mild to moderate anxiety, ADHD, or sensory differences

  • Feel overwhelmed in traditional therapy settings

  • Need support navigating peer relationships

  • Thrive in structured but creative outdoor environments

  • Are neurodivergent and would benefit from a gentle, affirming approach

Questions?

Contact group facilitator Katie Czarnik, LMSW at k.czarnik@malafamily.org, who will be happy to answer questions about group fit, clinical benefits, and accommodations.

Our Other Groups

    • Dates: Every Wednesday from June 18 – September 3, 2025

    • Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM

    • Location: 3135 Professional Drive, Ann Arbor

    • Cost: $80/session or billed through Blue Cross Blue Shield

    Learn more here

    • Age 7-9

    • Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan

    • Dates: Fridays

    • Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

    • About this group →

  • Dr. Hasti Raveau has been asked time and again to create a space like this, one where mothers, especially those raising neurodivergent children or navigating their own neurodivergence, can gather in honesty, healing, and solidarity. And now, after much anticipation, she’s bringing this long-awaited 7-month support circle  to life.

    Rooted Together isn’t just another support group. It’s a first-of-its-kind sacred space in our Michigan mom community, one that holds the complexities of motherhood, neurodivergence, culture, identity, and generational healing with tenderness and truth.

    Learn more HERE