The Magic of Camp: Safety, Connection and Creativity

ITK TIPS

Our Goal

We program intentionally, desiring that Sonlight campers and staff have fun, be creative and silly, and to laugh (a lot). We provide space for faith conversations so campers can discover and deepen their faith. Creativity, laughter and conversations happen when people feel safe, supported, and connected. This magic happens because of intentional efforts from the staff to build a positive community experience in everything we do.

In a world full of to-do lists, anxiety, depression and  expectations the laughter and creativity can easily be missed. How do we harness the magic of camp? We are intentional about mental, emotional and social health (MESH+). Leadership staff implement CampWell training, which provides resources for creating a community of well-being. Resources from Sacred Playgrounds are invaluable for guiding the faith aspects of all that we do.

Sonlight has been awarded the MESH (+) Gold Seal by the Alliance for Camp Health. The seal is recognition for the intentional MESH(+) work we are doing to create a community of well-being. (MESH = Mental, Emotional, Social Health)

Youth Voice

The focus on safety and connection is our “why” for focusing on MESH (Mental, Emotional, and Social Health). Health Forms provide pre-camp information, which allow staff opportunity to explore areas where campers may have concerns about camp. For example, if a camper identifies a worry about sensory overload in the dining room, eating in front of peers, and/or sleeping away from home, the program leadership team is able to facilitate subtle shifts (volume levels in the dining room, longer siestas, etc) to better support campers during their week of camp. When a camper uses their voice, and shares a worry with us, we act. Their trust is sacred and we honor their bravery by following through on their request. The screening tools also asks what keeps participants strong (pets, reading, friends, being outside or spirituality, as examples). Just asking this question reminds participants they have the tools, and can use those tools to be well. When a camper is struggling (camp can be hard even if all the right supports are in place), leadership staff can reference a participant’s screening results and help them  incorporate what keeps them strong. 

What the Campers Say

When asked about their experience at camp, campers had this to share when they are asked about concerns the campers have about camp:

“It makes it easier to talk to staff when something’s going on with me because they already have an idea of who I am and what makes me nervous.”

“Yes, I felt that people understood my needs better”

The CampWell initiative has given Sonlight staff tools and resources for creating a community of well-being. Camp Well is not a reaction to mental health challenges, it is a holistic approach to well-being. It offers a path forward to  build skills in resilience, and managing challenges.

Space Set Apart

Sacred Playgrounds is an organization who bases all their work on the premise that camps are sacred playgrounds. Places where people explore their way to lives of lasting, difference-making faith. Their resources help guide our programming.

Our intent in focusing on MESH is to provide a healthy space where campers are part of a community that highlights how good and meaningful life can be. We know this work takes time and is growing. We believe this work is worth it because we have seen it change how participants show up (be creative and silly) during the camp session. We know kids are longing for connection; Sonlight is a place for them to do so.

What is our why for this work? You. Every camper. Every camper family. You are our why. Our hope is for every participant to feel safe, supported, and connected to continue in what they have learned and contribute to the larger community.