March 11, 2015

Camp designed to help children focus

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale is sponsoring a unique camp for children ages 5-12, helping them focus and improve concentration skills and interact with peers. 

The Mindfulness for Kids Camp is from 9 a.m. until noon each Saturday from March 21 through May 9 in Room 334 of Rehn Hall. Mindfulness is a scientifically verified technique that can help children think better, focus more clearly on schoolwork and do better on school projects, reduce anxiety and social fears and increase overall awareness. 

Children attending the camp will learn beginning yoga and explore the mind and environment around them. They will also discover a variety of breathing techniques. 

Mark Dixon, professor and coordinator of the Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program and nationally recognized expert in the field of acceptance and mindfulness, is one of the camp’s directors. He has been featured in “Newsweek,” “Time,” “The New York Times,” NPR and numerous other television and print media. 

Rachel Enoch, a doctoral student and teaching assistant who has created and conducted mindfulness groups for children and teenagers for three years, and Bridget Munoz, a master’s student and research assistant who is also an experienced mindfulness group leader, will also be leading. 

The cost of the camp is $95 and the registration deadline is March 18. Register online at www.continuinged.siu.edu or by calling 618/536-7751. 

For additional information, contact Enoch at rachelenoch@siu.edu or Dixon at mdixon@siu.edu