Just Eat It: Navigating Picky, Restrictive, and Disordered Eating at Camp

Is your camper picky? Does the food just stink? Or is it possible that something more serious is going on? Atypical eating behaviors at camp are often a concern for staff, and there are so many reasons why a camper might not eat enough. In this session, social workers Chrissy and Elizabeth will explore a variety of challenging eating behaviors in campers, from pickiness and unfamiliarity to more significant disordered eating. They will examine contributing factors, mental health implications, and approaches for supporting campers and staff. Chrissy and Elizabeth will examine the importance of including family voice and, when indicated, a collaborative approach with treatment teams. They will also discuss factors to consider to ensure that staff are prepared and equipped to assess and support their campers who present with eating concerns.