Wellness and Camp

There were some problems at camp. Mental health wasn’t dealt with just in older adult years. What were some of the ways we dealt with mental health issues at camp?

I remember that things weren’t labeled as much. If a child was upset we tried to help and then they became less upset. Being upset didn’t last longer than necessary. The goal was to get the kids back in the game. Back being able to participate and being able to join in the activities.

I have learned that time outs are more about being patient with yourself. Taking the time to cool off… let yourself come back to who you are and quieting down so you can hear the good thoughts inside.

We used time outs at camp a lot. But they were short and that’s why I liked them with kids. The kids only needed a few minutes away to be able to join back up again.

Sometimes kids have their own time outs. That’s why I write in a poem even the kids on the side-lines win the game. Being part of things when you are not in the action is important to children. It’s important to acknowledge that the watchers are important to the games we play.

I’ve been a watcher. When I’ve had to take medication and when I’ve been tired. I’ve watched many things and I remember many things to write about and to try and understand. Sometimes I can draw things because I’ve been able to watch life happening.

Some kids watch because they are not sure how to join in. Some kids simply watch because that is best for them at the time. You can watch with your eyes or you can watch just by being present.

Mindfulness helps with watching. Observing what is in front of you on this day in this experience. How are you breathing, how are your feelings, what do you see, what do you hear, what do you taste…. what are the things around you. Can you say a few of the items you see. What colour are they? What shape are they?

Often bringing things back to where we are…. and seeing a colour like purple will help us to feel better. We can let go a little. Our feelings dissolve a little and we are left feeling peaceful.

It’s been many years since I’ve been at camp. It helps to know that kids that were upset were important to the experience. It helps to know that we helped kids to join in and to watch at times. Camp is a special place. I miss summer camp and I hope that I can write more about camp. Thanks for listening to me write and I hope you have a good day!