Strengthening a child’s mental health at Jewish Summer Camp

I recently attend­recently attend­ed a Mental ed Health Consor­Health Consor­tium meeting coordinated by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. Senator Alex Padilla was in attendance and was discussing the current mental health crises taking place in America, especially with our youth. Sitting there, I was struck with a thought and how our Jewish Fed­our Fed­eration has been operating battling this crisis for several years through one of our flagship pro­our pro­grams… Camp Gan Shalom.

 

Often, we think about summer camp as just something kids do during their time off from school, but rarely do we think about the mental health benefits camp provides. The fun experi­camp experi­ences and opportunities children have with their peers at camp directly impact their mental health in ways we don’t always consider. Whether it’s their interactions with others or just being able to have fun and not deal with the stresses school pro­deal pro­vides during the year, or the fact videos that it’s an escape for a few hours every day that they’re at camp improves their overall well-being. Plus, spending time outdoors, away from technology, is also a huge benefit.

 

And it is not only campers that benefit. One group that is often overlooked is camp staff. By work­overlooked work­ing as a camp counselor, teens and young adults build many experiences they can take with them throughout their lives. In this role, they develop strong leadership and problem-solving skills and learn to work in a team environment to provide the most rewarding experience for their campers. In many ways, the relationships they foster with their campers and fellow camp staff are unique. Many camp staff have developed such strong bonds that these friendships grow into adulthood.

 

Many of our former Camp Gan Shalom campers return as staff each year. They are motivated by the experiences they had as campers and what they remember their camp counselors being like. They share with us how much they love having the opportu­they opportu­nity to try and replicate their new experiences as campers for their campers. What I value so much is their dedication and commit­is commit­ment to our community’s youth.  And let me tell you that campers notice. Let me explain. During one winter break, my oldest daughter attended a different camp. When I picked her up at the end of her first day, I asked her how her day was. She said, “Dad, it’s not like Camp Gan Shalom.” When I asked her why, she said, “At Camp Gan Shalom, the camp staff cares about the campers; they value our experiences and truly want to get to know us. At this camp, the staff are there just because it’s a job.” I have shared that story with many camp families because I think it clearly illustrates what our camp program provides… not only a safe place for kids to be kids but a place where everyone involved with the program works to create or help create meaning­to meaning­ful experiences that impact not ful only our youth but is also a place that enhances their mental health.

 

After all… summer is supposed to be all about fun and getting a break from “real life.” And if it can strengthen a child’s mental health, it is a win-win!