Many aspects of their lives are affected when children have a mental illness

For children who are recovering from substance abuse or have family members in recovery, many aspects of their life are affected. It is important to have a holistic view that looks at every point that a child will need in order to be happy and comfortable. What’s more, the right camp can prove both educational and healing, when they have a variety of activities that encourage openness, creativity, and self-reflection.

1. Open discussions

Letting kids have time to talk with counselors as well as with each other is important to the summer camp experience. They will learn ways to communicate and to get along with others. Many people with mental illnesses sometimes have difficulty with communication, and an open discussion environment helps to foster confidence with communication as well as skills they will use for a lifetime.

2. Outdoor time

Modern life has many children separated from nature. Several studies show that there is a connection with nature and a sense of relief for young people. Spending time outside can reduce depression and anxiety for kids.

From exercise to fresh air and time with nature to learning practical skills, a beautiful natural environment is a "must" for many summer camp students as well as their parents.

An outdoor classroom setting is a great way to relax and unwind. If students are getting therapy in a group setting, they may find more comfort in doing it in an outdoor space.

You may also help students by teaching them practical outdoor skills. From building a fire to purifying water to learning bird calls or plants, there are dozens of things to do outside with students.

3. Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are a quintessential summer camp activity, and it is also helpful for campers with mental illness. Art therapy helps students to channel their energy in creative ways. They get the immediate gratification of knowing they are capable of creating a unique piece of artwork and having it to keep.

Consider alternating between group projects, where everyone works on the same thing, to smaller projects where students can decide what they want to work on. Older students may have an interest in different types of projects. Encourage students to share their art preferences, and teach them new styles that they can bring home with them. Some ideas include collages, painting, or ceramics.

4. Reflection Time

Encourage campers to take quiet reflection time to think about their lives and where they want to go in the future. Let them have a safe place to be alone and to contemplate the summer camp process.

Many camps are focused on jamming in many activities at once to keep kids happy and entertained. While new activities are important for kids to learn and explore, it is equally important for camps to create a space where kids can think and decompress.

Letting students journal and write letters to their loved ones may also be a good thing for them. They will be able to look back on the letters later and to have a piece of the summer camp experience with them.

Cultivating mindfulness in self-reflection practices early helps give children the tools they need to live intentionally. Behaviors change, they develop empathy and resilience, and are able better to cope with the stresses of life.

5. Nutritious Foods

Kids need to eat frequently, and the foods they eat need to be balanced and nutritious. While it may be tempting to load up on the sugars and carbs because that's what kids "like," there is an enormous amount of research that shows the link between mental health and diet.

They should be given adequate fruits and vegetables, as well as access to healthy snacks and water in between meal times. You also should give them the opportunity to learn how to prep meals. It will give them confidence at home and they may want to share their food skills with their loved ones. It also might give them job opportunities in the future. Young people with mental illness are discriminated against in the workplace, and giving them practical kitchen skills may one day help them find a job and to gain independence.

A variety of colors, flavors, and textures will help kids to be more adventurous in their eating habits and it can help give the mind and body the nutrients it needs.

Author Bio: Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoys writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. If you want to find more articles by Patrick, you can find them on his personal blog or in Sunshine Behavioral Health.

Editor's note: This is a guest post and we’re so grateful to Patrick for sending it to us!