IEA’s pioneering Yunasa and Yunasa West summer camps unite highly able youngsters with experts in the social and emotional development of gifted children. Campers explore and grow the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical aspects of their lives. 2013 was the 2nd year for Yunasa West, which took place June 9-16 at YMCA Camp Shady Brook in Sedalia, Colorado.
Twenty-four kids from across the country joined us for Yunasa West 2013. This was the second year of Yunasa West, and it proved to be yet another memorable and magical year!
Campers explored all five aspects of Self – intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual – and learned how to work towards achieving balance across these five areas of their lives.
Every day contained at least one activity to help campers embrace each of the five aspects of Self. In just one day, a camper could go rock climbing (physical), talk with all of the other campers during activities and at meals (social), learn about the different aspects of emotional intelligence in a special workshop (emotional and intellectual), and do yoga (spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual).
Campers enjoyed the opportunities to try something new and conquer fears through activities like horseback riding, archery, a climbing wall, and ropes courses.
Many campers enjoyed becoming more aware of and developing their spiritual abilities. Through workshops and discussions, they learned to connect with each other and nature in unexpected ways and were able to find inner peace.
Relaxing activities like fishing, workshops on relaxation techniques, and guided meditation sessions were also big hits with campers who often have trouble turning off their minds in day-to-day life.
Campers developed meaningful relationships and found support and acceptance in each other. With this, they were able to gain more self-acceptance, which many felt was extremely valuable.
It was amazing to see these kids – so many of whom stand out in their schools for being so different – interacting with each other so seamlessly from day one. No one was excluded. No one felt left out. These kids became a family.
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What is your child’s favorite memory from Yunasa West? Please share in the comment section below.