Grow. Adapt. Rise. Move.
Summer Intensive Outpatient Program
Our Summer Program is not your traditional summer camp. Join us for a structured, clinician-led GARM program that's designed for middle schoolers who would benefit from increased support with social skills, emotional regulation, and peer interaction.
Schedule Information Call
Who This is For
Not every child thrives in traditional summer programs — and that’s okay. Our summer program is designed for designed for middle school students (incoming 6th–8th grade) who need additional support socially and emotionally. In a small, supportive group setting, kids build confidence, strengthen social skills, and practice real-life coping strategies through guided peer interaction and individualized support.
We welcome students of all genders and are committed to creating a neuro atypical affirming environment where each everyone feels understood, supported, and able to grow at their own pace.
Program Details:
- June 15th – August 7th
- 3 Days/Week | Tues, Wed, Thurs
- 12:00 – 3:00pm
Why We Do It
Middle school is a critical time for social and emotional development, yet it is also when many kids begin to struggle more with confidence, peer relationships, and a sense of belonging. During the summer, these challenges can become even more noticeable, especially for kids who do not thrive in traditional camp or group environments.
We believe kids need more than just time to “get through” social challenges. They need support, guidance, and opportunities to practice new skills in real time. This summer program helps students build self-awareness, adapt to challenges, strengthen confidence, and take meaningful steps forward in their relationships and daily lives.
It is a space to step outside comfort zones, try new things, and grow in ways that feel supportive and empowering. Through this experience, students are encouraged to grow, adapt, move through challenges, and rise with confidence, carrying meaningful skills and tools with them long after the summer ends.
How We Do It
Our clinicians take a trauma-informed approach, using the Growth & Resiliency Model© (GARM) to guide both the structure of the program and how students build skills throughout the summer. Through a blend of evidence-based practices and interactive, real-life experiences, students engage in group work, creative activities, and guided peer interaction to strengthen social skills, emotional regulation, and confidence in a supportive environment.
Programming Includes:
- Social skills and process groups
- Creative expression and hands-on activities
- Online safety and healthy technology use
- Executive functioning and problem-solving support
- Confidence-building activities
- Outdoor time and park visits
- Meals and snacks provided
See a sample of our summer program schedule here.
Is This Program Right For Your Child?
Why Parents Love This Program
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Schedule An Informational Call
Schedule a 15-minute call with our team below to learn more about if this is the right fit for your child.
About The Growth & Resiliency Model©
The Growth & Resiliency Model© is a thought leader model that was created and copyrighted in 2021 by Simply Bee CEO Audrey Grunst, LCSW. It is the foundation of the work we do in this program. This comprehensive five-step model is designed to fuse theory, skill, and knowledge into people's understanding of their wellbeing and emotional development. Through this model, we provide adolescents with a toolbox of strategies and skills to overcome challenges and set themselves up for success.
The theory behind this model is that a growth mindset occurs when you are aware of your internal world, can observe it without judgment, know how to respond instead of react, and can integrate all that information into the external world effectively. The final step is to reflect on the process, celebrate what went well and learn from what didn't. Through the use of this model, we believe all people can learn to intuitively overcome life's daily challenges, while appreciating them as opportunities for positive change.
In this summer program, GARM is not just a framework, it is actively integrated into each day. Students are guided to recognize their emotions, practice new ways of responding, build confidence through small, supported challenges, and take meaningful action in their relationships and daily routines. By experiencing these steps in real time, students leave with skills they can continue to use long after the program ends.
Learn More
Simply Bee has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
Quality ReportOur Treatment Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good fit for my child?
What does a typical day look like?
Will my child still have fun?
What makes this program different from other summer options?
Is this program inclusive of all students?
What happens after the summer program ends?
Do you accept insurance?
What do I do if my insurance is not in network?
Our Facility
We are located at 175 E Hawthorn Parkway, Suite 325, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Learn From Our Experts
Values Exercise
This activity and tutorial video is one of our most requested resources at Simply Bee. You will get an opportunity to establish your core values and learn the importance of using them to guide you through your life.
School Refusal & Levels Of Care Blog
Check out this blog post to learn more about supporting students through school refusal and the different levels of care available to aid in treatment. This blog provides both education and free resoures!
Mindful Body Image E-Book
Therapists Olivia Ritter, LPC & Kelli Segerson, MS created this resource to provide tools, strategies and a compassionate framework for adults to nurture positive body image and self-esteem in the young people in their lives.