Three Ways Summer Camps Can Support Campers

Despite the inconsistent and sometimes wintry weather we’ve been having in New England, there’s no denying that summer is nearly upon us. Many children are counting down the days till their first day of camp. Some of those young campers have or are experiencing trauma, including domestic and sexual violence. Here are three simple strategies camps can utilize to create a supportive environment where all campers can thrive.

Universal Education

Often, we don’t know much about our campers’ and staff’s lives outside of camp. Being trauma-informed doesn’t mean becoming a detective trying to discover trauma histories. Being trauma-informed is more about how we hold what we don’t know, rather than needing to know everything. Statistics tell us that every camp will have campers and staff who have experienced some form of trauma. By providing universal education, we can help normalize those experiences and mitigate the isolation and shame that some may feel. 

Universal education doesn’t have to take a lot of time or resources, but it can help to create a meaningful connection to resources that campers and camp staff may need. You can include resources in orientation materials, hang posters, and display organization brochures and materials in high-traffic areas. It’s a very simple act, but it can make all the difference to someone who doesn’t know that there are resources that can help them. 

Informed Consent

When we make resources visible and accessible to our campers and staff, we will also be recognized as a resource. Once people know you care about this issue, they may be more likely to turn to you for support. Many children and young adults are hesitant to disclose because they don’t know what will happen if they do, and they fear losing control. If we provide transparency about our role and the procedures we must follow (such as mandated reporting), it allows the survivor to make an informed decision about whether they want to disclose to us. 

It is imperative that all camp staff, including counselors in training, receive training on how to respond to a disclosure of trauma or abuse. Camp counselors form unique and special bonds with campers, which may result in a disclosure. We want to ensure that staff have support and a clear understanding of their role and can communicate that in a developmentally appropriate, direct, and compassionate way to any camper who discloses to them. 

Collaborate to Make Reasonable Accommodations

Children who have experienced trauma may need accommodations to be able to feel safe and thrive while they are at camp, especially at sleepaway camps. Work as a team to make decisions about accommodations supporting an individual camper while not creating an unsustainable situation for other campers. For instance, I’ve worked with young survivors who struggled to sleep at night because they had endured years of abuse that occurred when everyone else was asleep. While arriving at camp may be a relief, their nervous system may still struggle to settle at night after being trained for years to stay on high alert. Camp staff can work together to protect that camper’s privacy and make accommodations that allow them to feel safe and supported while not being disruptive to the rest of the bunk.

If you work at a camp and want training and support to create a trauma-informed environment where your campers and staff can thrive this summer, JT Consulting would love to partner with you! Reach out to schedule a call today.