By Amelia Hegsted, age 14
As many people do at some point of their lives, I struggle with my mental health. It impacts me daily—my way of thinking, my motivation, my energy levels, etc. It even affected my writing of this article (ironic, I know). Often it can feel all-consuming. Because of this, I wanted to figure out how other campers deal with their mental health at camp and how you can get support for your mental health at WriCampia.
My first step was interviewing two WriCampia greats, Elsa Bermudez, one of the WriCampia Directors and Malcolm Knowles, Upper Camp Boy’s Division Head. My two big questions for both of them were; “What are some ways you can support campers when they are struggling [with their mental health]?” and “Do you have any words of motivation?”
Elsa said, “I think listening to campers when they struggle or are voicing mental health issues is important. If an activity does not mesh with a camper’s mental health issues, I think it is very important to voice that. We also have access to a social worker named Ashlye who we have campers set up meetings with if needed.”
When asked if she had any words of motivation, Elsa said, “It’s okay to not be okay. What I mean by that is, I’ve struggled with my own mental health, and I was always not wanting to bother others or be a burden, but it is so important to seek help. This too shall pass, I know that’s cliche. I always have to remember the fact that I’ve been out of mental health crises before and it’s gotten better.”
Malcolm said, “The biggest thing is being available to talk at all times when campers are struggling. It’s easier to talk things out. Disappointment shared is disappointment halved and joy shared is joy doubled. Keep trying and trying and trying. If it’s a million and one shots, you’re going to get one of them.”
As a new camper at WriCampia, a big takeaway I had from these interviews was: your counselors, instructors, and division heads are here to talk to you and care about your physical and mental well-being.This makes WriCampia feel like such a welcoming and friendly place.
My final step was to talk to campers. I asked them all, “How do you deal with your mental health at camp?”
Camper Julia B. said, “I talk to my friends, focus whatever stress I have into my writing, or I join lakefront or friendship bracelet-making to calm me down.”
Camper Elise M. said, “When I’m anxious or nervous at camp I start prioritizing myself at camp, I work out, and I talk to my friends.”
Camper Christina M. said, “I like to do arts and crafts, talk to my friends, and I like to write really fast about whatever I’m feeling.”
Camper Violet C. said, “I just try to do things that won’t be stressful… I like songwriting, I like to relax at camp.”
Camper Cate S. said, “I’m part of the songwriting track. I think that really helps me get out my emotions and helps me take care of myself. You can use songwriting to inspire you.”
Camper Maxwell L. said, “I’m around my friends a lot so I love talking to them. When I get nervous or homesick I use connect-the-dot books and they help me relax.”
The Yearly WriCampian staff member and camper Maxanne W-S. shared that her bunk 2A pass around and takes turns sleeping with Squishmallows/stuffed animals in the bunk every night, which makes them feel comforted and closer to one another.
Like my peers, I think having someone to talk to about your struggles and mental health, does help so much. I also want to personally add, it does get better. WriCampia is a wonderful place to be if you are struggling with your mental health because this camp is so supportive. Camp is so helpful because you are able to talk with people who you relate with, be around people you love, and be supported in a multitude of ways.
