Akron Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Department hosts summer camp weekend

Chloe Baia (left) with sisters Coraline and Iris Lustig enjoyed fresh air and friendship at summer camp.

Studies show that spending time in nature is good for your body and mind. The Akron Children’s department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health recently provided a special summer camp experience for more than 20 kids engaged in services within the department. The goals were simple: fun, fresh air and friendship.

Planning the behavioral health camp

“Akron Children’s already has camps for kids with conditions like diabetes and cancer,” said Doug Straight, director of the behavioral health service line. “Our president and CEO, Chris Gessner, visited Camp Y-Noah in Green and met with YMCA leaders. We then started talking about the benefits of providing kids with behavioral health needs that same special summer camp experience.”

Behavioral Health providers invited patients who could benefit from camp and outdoor activities. A total of 27 kids, ages 12 to 17, went to camp from Aug. 29-31. “The kids came from different areas, including Akron, Youngstown and Mansfield,” Doug said. “We also had campers from different cultures, so it was a great mix.”

Ben Miller contemplates his next move in a game of chess.

Camp Y-Noah staff members led the camp activities, while 11 Behavioral Health staff members participated and helped as needed. “All of our campers are living at home and going about their daily lives now,” Doug said. “They should get the chance to experience the fun of overnight camp just like any other kid.”

Youth were able to attend this weekend camp experience at no cost because of a generous gift from an anonymous donor. “What a gift that donor made; we’re so appreciative,” Doug said. “Otherwise, some families may not have been able to afford to send their kids to camp.”

Camp activities

Campers had fun with daytime and nighttime hikes, climbing the rope tower, eating meals and snacks, fishing, trying the obstacle course and sharing reflections around the campfire. “We wanted the entire experience to be therapeutic,” Doug shared. “The campers enjoyed the benefits of being outdoors. They got to hang out with kids who have had similar struggles, so they know they’re not alone. The rock-climbing tower involved ropes and building trust with the other climbers.”

Campers enjoy a hike in the beautiful woods.

Hope for a yearly event

After the success of the first Behavioral Health summer camp, the department hopes to make it an annual event. “We don’t know of any other behavioral health programs that offer a camp like this,” Doug said. “You never know how much it could mean to the kids. It might spark a love for nature that lasts their whole lives.”

Doug said the camp helped the staff, too. “Caregivers can sometimes feel burned out,” he shared. “Watching these kids go from tough situations to just being kids at camp gave us energy and inspiration. Seeing them enjoy those moments reminded us why the work we do every day is so important.”