Fostering Mental Wellness at Summer Camp

Immediately refer them to the mental health advisor on staff

Listen and be there for them as a mentor and role model

Provide advice to them so they don't mess up

Try to be a counselor and help them overcome or solve their problems

A brain condition that affects a small number of campers

Caused by problematic behaviors

Something everyone has

Something that no one can have any control of

Be loyal to your friend and don’t tell anyone

Tell them you’ll keep it a secret, but alert your supervisor

Tell them they were right to share with you, and that you have the responsibility to share with your supervisor because you care about them

Tell them they need to speak to a counselor and get help as soon as possible

Validate the speaker for talking to you

Maintain good body language and eye contact

Focus on what the speaker is saying and not how you are going to answer

Repeat back, paraphrasing what the speaker said in your own words

Give the speaker thoughtful advice about what they need to do next

Find someone you can talk with about how you feel.

Campers are first, and you always put their needs before yours.

Keep a life rhythm that allows you to be grounded.

Talk with a supervisor if you need support.

Try to get them to talk about it with you and process

Be there and actively listen to what they feel comfortable to share without any pressure

Assume they need counseling and refer them to someone

Share your own experience about past traumatic experiences