Middle School Basecamp

Transition counseling small-group series

Set A: Social-Emotional

Card 01

The Worry Wave

"It's Sunday night, and your brain is buzzing. You keep thinking: 'What if I can't find my classes? What if the older kids are mean?' You feel a tight knot in your stomach and can't fall asleep."

Basecamp Mission:

How does anxiety show up in your physical body (stomach, head, muscles)?
What is one "helpful thought" you can use to talk back to a "what if" worry?

Summer Goal Scout: Practice a "3-Deep-Breaths" reset or a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise when you feel nervous this summer.

Card 02

The New Face Phase

"In elementary school, you knew everyone. Now, you walk into the cafeteria and see rows of crowded tables, but none of your old classmates are in your lunch period. You have to find a spot to sit."

Basecamp Mission:

What are the 'clues' that a group of kids might be friendly or open to you sitting with them?
Practice saying a 10-second introduction script to join a table.

Summer Goal Scout: Try introducing yourself to one new person at camp, the pool, or the park this summer to build confidence.

Card 03

The Voice Choice

"Your science teacher is writing notes on the board, but they are too small to read from your desk. You have an accommodation to sit in the front or get printed notes, but the teacher doesn't know you yet."

Basecamp Mission:

When is the best time to talk to a teacher about your needs (before class, during work time, or after class)?
Draft an email or a verbal script to explain your needs.

Summer Goal Scout: Practice explaining your learning strengths and accommodations (like extra time or quiet space) to an adult.

Card 04

The Reset Button

"The bell rings and the hallway erupts. Hundreds of kids are talking, lockers are slamming, and you feel completely overloaded. You still have two classes left and feel like crying or shutting down."

Basecamp Mission:

Where in the school can you go if you need a safe 'sensory escape' or a quick 2-minute break?
What is an invisible coping strategy you can use while walking in a crowded crowd?

Summer Goal Scout: Create a "Coping Toolbox" card to keep in your wallet or phone with your top 3 emergency calming strategies.

Cut along the dashed lines to separate cards Basecamp Counseling Series • Page 1 of 3

Middle School Basecamp

Transition counseling small-group series

Set B: Executive Functioning

Card 05

The Locker Lockup

"It's second period, and you need to swap your math textbook for your English folder. You have 4 minutes. You spin your combination lock: right, left, right... but it won't budge. You start to panic as the hallway clears out."

Basecamp Mission:

What is the standard "Right-Left-Right" formula for a master combo lock?
If your locker jams, who are three nearby people you can ask for help?

Summer Goal Scout: Buy a dial combination lock this summer. Practice opening it 5 times in a row, every day, until it feels like second nature!

Card 06

The Planner Puzzle

"Every teacher writes homework in a different place: on their classroom whiteboard, on Google Classroom, or on Canvas. You find yourself forgetting assignments because you don't have them written in one single spot."

Basecamp Mission:

Do you prefer a physical paper agenda book, a digital planner, or a simple phone-app checklist? Why?
When should you write down assignments to make sure they aren't forgotten?

Summer Goal Scout: Set up a "Daily Agenda" routine at home during the summer, tracking chores or activities to build the daily planner habit.

Card 07

The Backpack Abyss

"The bell rings, and your math teacher asks for the homework worksheet. You open your backpack, and it's full of loose, crumpled papers, half-eaten snacks, and stray pencils. You can't find your homework anywhere."

Basecamp Mission:

How can color-coding your subjects (e.g., Green for Science, Blue for Math) help keep your bag organized?
How often should you perform a 'Backpack Reset' to clear out old clutter?

Summer Goal Scout: Practice a weekly Sunday "Cleanout Challenge" during the summer with your personal bag, desk, or gaming area.

Card 08

The Morning Launch

"Your alarm goes off at 6:30 AM, but you hit snooze twice. Now you're rushing to find your Chromebook charger, pack your lunch, and find clean socks. You miss your bus and arrive late, stressed and upset."

Basecamp Mission:

What are 3 things you can do the night before to save time and reduce stress in the morning?
How long does it realistically take you to get dressed, eat, and brush your teeth?

Summer Goal Scout: Establish a night-before packing routine this August. Always place your bag and shoes by the front door before going to sleep.

Cut along the dashed lines to separate cards Basecamp Counseling Series • Page 2 of 3

Middle School Basecamp

Transition counseling small-group series

Set C: School Routines

Card 09

The Schedule Shuffle

"Your schedule shows that on 'A Days' you have Art in Room 302, but on 'B Days' you have P.E. in the Gym. It's Tuesday, and you can't remember which day it is or where you are supposed to go."

Basecamp Mission:

How does a schedule with 'A/B Days' or 'block periods' work differently than elementary school?
Where are the best spots to keep your physical schedule (e.g., inside locker, binder, phone)?

Summer Goal Scout: Attend your middle school's summer orientation or walkthrough, and color-code your schedule to match your folder/notebook system.

Card 10

The Passing Rush

"The bell rings. You need to get from Science on the 3rd floor to Social Studies on the 1st floor in under 4 minutes. You get caught talking to a friend, and suddenly the warning bell chimed. You're going to be late."

Basecamp Mission:

What is "passing time" and how can you prioritize walking over chatting?
What should you tell the teacher if you accidentally walk in late?

Summer Goal Scout: Time yourself this summer: see how far you can walk in exactly 3 minutes at a normal pace. This helps you understand passing time!

Card 11

The Rule Shifter

"Your morning math teacher lets you sit anywhere and listen to music. But in your afternoon English class, the teacher has a strict 'no headphones, assigned seats' rule. You accidentally put headphones on and get called out."

Basecamp Mission:

Why do different teachers have different classroom rules, and why is it important to follow them?
How can you quickly check the 'vibe' and rules of a classroom when you walk in?

Summer Goal Scout: Practice code-switching: notice how rules differ between home, a friend's house, a library, or a restaurant, and practice adapting!

Card 12

The Homework Climb

"It's Thursday. Your English, Science, and Social Studies teachers all assigned projects or worksheets due tomorrow. You get home and feel completely overwhelmed by how much you have to do."

Basecamp Mission:

How do you prioritize which assignment to start with (difficulty, due date, or length)?
What is a 'bite-sized step' you can take to start a project without feeling overwhelmed?

Summer Goal Scout: Practice the "20-Minute Focus" method (Pomodoro) on a chore or reading this summer to build study endurance.

Cut along the dashed lines to separate cards Basecamp Counseling Series • Page 3 of 3

Middle School Basecamp

Transition Discussion Task Cards

Counselor Facilitation Guide

Summer Goals Action Plan

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