Bringing Labyrinth Adventures to Camps & Summer Programs 

Summer programs and camps are so full of excitement and possibility, with new friends, hands-on learning, field trips, and energetic play. They’re also full of fast transitions, changing groups week to week, and big feelings that can show up.

That’s why we’re excited to share that Mind Body Align’s educational curriculum is now available for summer programs and camps. Now camps, schools, libraries, museums, sports facilities, and more have a practical, ready-to-run solution for helping kids build focus, self-regulation, and emotional vocabulary in ways that feel natural in a summer setting. What is even better is that the program is proven successful – this expansion builds on two successful years at Buckeye Imagination Museum, a summer camp offered in collaboration with Richland Public Health.

Why self-regulation matters even more in summer

In the school year, consistency does a lot of the heavy lifting. In summer, programs often have:

• Frequent transitions (arrival, activities, lunch, outdoor play, pick-up)
• New peer dynamics every session
• More stimulation (noise, novelty, crowds, weather)
• A wider range of ages and needs, often with fewer support staff

When kids don’t yet have reliable “reset” tools, these conditions can quickly lead to dysregulation, including more conflict, more redirection, and less time for the learning and fun everyone came for.

Self-regulation isn’t an add-on. It’s the foundation that helps children participate, connect, and learn—especially when the environment is exciting and unpredictable.

What Labyrinth Adventures is (and why it works for camps)

Labyrinth Adventures is a story-driven kit designed to help children ages 5–9 (designed for grades K-3) build essential life skills like emotional regulation, positive self-talk, empathy, and resilience. It does this through engaging characters, short lessons, and simple routines kids can actually use. 

For summer program and camp settings, that matters because your team needs tools that are:

• Quick to lead (15–20 minutes is realistic, even on busy days) 
• Easy to repeat (kids learn faster when the routine is consistent)
• Flexible (works in a classroom, museum program, library storytime, or camp group) 
• Trauma-informed and choice-centered (supportive for a wide range of learners) 

A peek inside the stories: meet our Characters

The heart of Labyrinth Adventures is storytime that entertains and does so much more! It gives children language for what’s happening inside them and a path for what to do next.

A few favorites from the series include:

• Tia Discovers the Labyrinth
• Tree’s Gratitude Garden
• Tia Takes a Pause
• Tia Gets Distracted
• Tia Spreads Kindness
• Cleo the Brave
• Dwight’s Brain Break
• Lily’s Special Compass
• Listen Up, Tia! (also available as a free preview) 

These titles give staff an easy way to match a story to what’s happening in the group:

• A high-energy group that’s struggling to transition? Tia Takes a Pause.
• A day full of distractions and scattered attention? Tia Gets Distracted.
• A moment when kids need a reset without shame? Dwight’s Brain Break.
• A week when social dynamics are tough? Tia Spreads Kindness and Listen Up, Tia!

What kids learn through the stories (and how it shows up in real life)

Labyrinth Adventures is built to support children in skills they can use immediately:

• Naming emotions and building a shared vocabulary 
• Using self-regulation tools (breathing, movement, reflection) 
• Strengthening empathy and peer connection
• Practicing positive internal dialogue (helpful self-talk) 

And because the routines are repeatable, the skills become part of the group culture, and are  not a one-time “lesson.” 

It is easy for the adults leading summer programs

Camps and summer programs often rely on seasonal staff. These are talented people who may be new to classroom management or trauma-informed program facilitation. The Labyrinth Adventures stories support them with clear structure and guidance, including choice-based participation so every child can engage in a way that feels safe and doable. 

That teacher-first (and staff-first) design is why it translated well in community programming environments like museum-based learning, where groups are active, curious, and constantly moving.

How to use Labyrinth Adventures in a camp day

A simple, camp-friendly rhythm looks like this:

1) Start-of-day “ready” routine (5–7 minutes)
A brief breathing or body check-in to set a calm baseline.

2) Story + discussion (10–15 minutes)
Read a story that matches the day’s theme (friendship, frustration, perseverance, listening).

3) Quick reset tool for transitions (2–3 minutes)
Repeat the same focus-building routine before lunch, before switching activities, or after recess.

4) Bonus! Families can get involved at home using the QR code on all the materials with activities and ideas available for families to use at home 

Want to preview a lesson?

If you’d like to see what it looks like in action, Mind Body Align offers a downloadable preview of Listen Up, Tia! that includes a complete lesson, a video storybook, and family connections. 

Bringing it to your summer program

If your camp or summer program is looking for a way to build positive relationships among children, reduce disruptions, strengthen group culture, and help children build lasting regulation skills, Labyrinth Adventures is ready.Learn more about Labyrinth Adventures Storybook Kits for ages 5–9, flexible settings, 15–20 minute lessons