- Nick M. Teich, PhD, LCSW
From the NY Times: "Summer Camp: Sun, Swimming, Archery. And Therapy."
This is an important and timely article about summer camps and mental health. I navigated through many mental health and wellness issues with campers and staff over the 13 years I was a camp director, and it's now become a main focus of my camp consulting and training work.
One of the important topics it brings up is simple yet crucial: not every camp is poised to take care of kids who have higher needs in this area. There is a summer program for everyone, but that doesn't always mean a traditional (especially overnight) camp is a good fit. The more honest assessment a camp does about whom they can and cannot serve and keep safe, the better off the kids and parents will be.
Much more to come this fall on this topic!