Viking Voyage Summer Program Builds Confidence and Connection

Students participating in Grand Island Central School District’s Viking Voyage summer program are strengthening important social-emotional skills through engaging, hands-on activities that encourage confidence, resilience and inclusion.

Designed for fourth through sixth graders, Viking Voyage is led by district school counselors and a school psychologist. The program provides a fun and supportive environment where students develop self-regulation skills, strengthen emotional awareness and communication, build positive relationships, and foster a growth mindset through interactive lessons and activities.

A key part of the program is the creation of each student’s personalized Coping Skills Toolbox, filled with strategies they can use to navigate everyday challenges both in and out of the classroom.

During a recent session in the Veronica E. Connor Middle School library, students created mindfulness jars as a hands-on way to explore calming techniques. As they assembled their jars, they discussed how mindfulness can help them pause, refocus and regulate their emotions when faced with difficult situations. Students also practiced positive self-talk by identifying encouraging phrases and describing themselves using positive, confidence-building words—reinforcing the importance of recognizing their strengths and developing a healthy self-image.

By combining meaningful conversations with interactive experiences, Viking Voyage equips students with practical coping strategies they can carry into the school year, helping them build confidence, strengthen resilience and support one another along the way.