Three Campers, One Trail, and More Than One Good Plan: Flexible Thinking at Poplar Hollow
When a fallen tree blocks Soren’s carefully planned route, he believes the entire hike is ruined. With help from Su and Jasper, the campers learn how to separate the goal from the original plan, use both-and thinking, consider different perspectives, and choose another workable path.
Piper and the Lantern That Would Not Cooperate: Frustration Tolerance at Poplar Hollow
When Piper’s lantern keeps falling apart, frustration tells her to push harder and then destroy the whole project. Learn how children can notice rising frustration, regulate their bodies, identify the real obstacle, and choose whether to retry, adjust, ask for help, pause, or stop.
Owen and the Bridge That Would Not Stay Put: Problem Solving at Poplar Hollow
When a crooked bridge disrupts Owen’s lantern-making plan, he assumes the whole afternoon is ruined. Learn how the PAWS skill helps children define the real problem, compare safe choices, ask for help, and take one workable step forward.
Jasper and the Story His Brain Told Too Fast: Cognitive Reframing at Poplar Hollow
After one missed jump, Jasper’s brain decides that he ruins everything and everyone thinks he is terrible. Learn how the TAIL skill helps children slow down automatic thoughts, investigate the evidence, and find a more balanced way to understand difficult moments.