"So What Does This Have to do With Health?!"

Last week I attended the Health Fair at Pomperaug High School and many students looked at my table dedicated to YMCA Camp Oakasha and the Youth and Government program with a confused expression.  Students were supposed to ask questions and the one I got a lot was, "so what does this have to do with health?!"  I came prepared to answer questions like, "how much do first year counselors get paid" and "how do I become a Counselor in Training," so I was surprised to have to answer this one.  

As someone who grew up going to camp, I understand the positive feelings that kids get from these experiences.  The sense of belonging and connectedness that is created is very unique to the summer camp setting.  It's not just the friendships that are built, but also a sense of trust and a feeling of stability.  Camp is a place that improves both mental and physical health; a place where kids can be themselves, be active, and try new things in a supportive environment.  They'll also learned that it's ok to be silly, independent, and explore the world around them.  

Many of the students who I talked to last week had never been to camp, said they always wanted to go, and now felt like they were too old.  But, at YMCA Camp Oakasha, we have opportunities for older campers to be Counselors in Training (CIT's for short) and Junior Counselors.  This is a great opportunity for those who might be a little too old for the traditional camp experience, but are still interested in trying it out.  These experiences allow the participants to be a part of the community, improve their leadership skills, and spend their days in healthy ways.    

We're having our first Family Camp Night at YMCA Camp Oakasha on Thursday, May 31 and Thursday, June 7, from 5-7, so families will be able to participate in camp activities too!  We'll play games, do crafts, and even have the opportunity to climb the tower.  Families will take away some of the same health benefits that our campers in the summer will!