Strengthening a child’s mental health at Jewish Summer Camp
I recently attended a Mental Health 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 Federation has been battling this crisis for several years through one of our flagship 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 experiences and opportunities children have with their peers at camp have a direct impact on 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 provides during the year, or the fact 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 working as a camp counselor, teens and young adults build a wealth of experiences they can take with them throughout their lives. In this role, they develop strong leadership and problem-solving skills and learn how 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 amazing. Many of our 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 opportunity to try and replicate their experiences as campers for their campers. What I value so much is their dedication and 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 meaningful experiences that impact not 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!
Jason Moss is executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Greater
San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
