Summer program helps kids Social, emotional skills focus of class

BANGOR – The Northeast Occupational Exchange is holding its Children’s Summer Program from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday until Labor Day in and around Newport, Lincoln and Bangor.

The program is designed for children ages 4 to 17 who may have caused problems in the classroom and are unable to attend summer camps. The program replaces the day and afternoon programs designed for the school year.

Children in the program work on a curriculum three days a week in which they learn various health, social and emotional skills. They learn to resolve conflict, control anger and assert themselves without aggression.

Younger children practice what is called “tiny turtles” when dealing with aggression. “When a child gets stepped on his first impulse is to push the other child,” said Dr. Charles Tingley. “Instead he learns to take a deep breath, go into his ‘turtle shell,’ and come out of that shell when he has controlled his anger.”

On another day of the week, the children often go to the local pool or YMCA to practice the life skills they have learned. On Fridays, they take field trips to places such as Acadia National Park, the Maine State House and Fort Knox. Parents also take part in the program.

“This is meant to be a therapeutic program for both parents and children,” said Tingley.

NOE is a private, nonprofit treatment and rehabilitation facility that began in 1975. It provides services for adults and children such as day treatment programs, alternative educational services, supported employment and independent living programs.

The children’s program is free for those who qualify. For more information, contact NOE at 942-3816.