Community Wellness Initiatives at Summer Camp: Creative Approaches to Support Campers and Staff

A major focus of our Wellness Program at Camp Chi is providing a whole-camp framing of mental and social wellness. Our approach is guided by seven core program principles, which are rooted in: (1) a camp-first approach, (2) wellness as a continuum, (3) integration into camp, (4) empowering the community, (5) building belonging, (6) adopting a short-term, strengths-based approach, and (7) acting as guides not fixers. These principles informed camp-wide initiatives intended to elevate and reinforce the joy, meaning, and belonging that make summer camp special. Example initiatives included Wellness Wednesdays, The Magic Shop, Staff Tea Time and Conversation Hour, communal reflection opportunities on character and wellness, and team-building activities focused on promoting connection among campers. This presentation will outline our approach, from conception to implementation, and offer attendees hands-on tools to adapt and bring these activities to their camps.