Is Your Child “Camp Ready”?

 

By John Andrich, LCSW

 

Just as Cub fans continue to repeat the annual refrain “There’s always next year…”, parents city-wide annually repeat “During the idle months of summer break, what camp or specialized activities will appeal to my teen, tween, or ten year old?” Key questions plague parents trying to pre-plan their child’s summer months long before boredom sets in and June jolts them into reality. Very soon the structure of academic rigors subsides and summertime routines of hanging out with friends or “loafing” around the house necessitate a parent’s swift action. The response is often the four letter word…CAMP.

 

The starting point in the transition from school to camp begins with a conversation to determine your child’s desire, readiness, and ability to be separated from home for a week or two, or perhaps head off to a day camp experience. Asking questions and engaging in conversation will result in what is best for both parent and camper. Try the following ideas to get the process started:

 

1) Ask yourself child envisions a week away from home, and consider special interests and preferences. Involve your child in the search process.

 

2) Discuss the fact that being away from home involves a lot of independence and responsibility, and talk through any insecurities or questions. Ask your child whether they would like to attend a sleep-away camp or day camp.

 

3) Camp should reflect your values and beliefs, promote community, encourage cooperative learning, and remain engaging from start to finish.

 

Parents can be instrumental in camp selection while allowing their child ownership in the selection process. It is key that your child has options to choose from. It gives them even more responsibility when they make the choice and camp isn’t a forced issue. One of the benefits of camp is the opportunity to make long-lasting friendships, forged in fun and solidified around a campfire, mess hall, or bunk house.

 

 

 

 

On their own for what is perhaps the first time, campers are away from parental supervision and are making decisions about what to wear, what to eat, and how to spend free time. Camp engenders a meeting of diverse cultures, fosters camaraderie, self reliance, and builds social skills. Perhaps more importantly, camp provides memories that last a lifetime.

 

Following are links to day camp information in the surrounding area: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs/day-camp/ and  www.chicagoparent.com/topic/camps‎.

 

 

 

 

Making Meaning Of Loss

By Jennifer Lara, LCPC

 

The experience of loss is one that we will all experience at some point in our lives.  The more we allow ourselves to love and invest in someone or something, the more we are bound to be effected by loss.  Loss can come in many forms - death of a loved one; loss of a close relationship; loss of capacity or ability; job transition; loss of a pet.  Loss, whether expected or unexpected, can interfere with everyday life activities.  A person’s emotional experience of loss is always unique and often painful and intense.  The feelings can be very complex, and a challenge to process. Thoughts come in that feel heavy and draining – Will this ever feel better? How do I cope with the void? Will things ever be the same?  How do I move forward and heal? 

 

Grieving is essential to heal from loss.  The emotions of loss can be so overwhelming that someone may want to avoid, numb or find a shortcut to relieve uncomfortable and painful feelings.   Loss creates a feeling of powerlessness and one might engage in unhealthy behaviors to regain control.  Or one may feel in “auto-pilot” with days passing in a fog.  Create awareness as to how you are experiencing your loss.  Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler speak of stages of grief that one experiences when processing loss:  Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.  Keep in mind that there is no blueprint for healing, transitioning through the stages is not always a linear process, and the stages may be repeated.  Yet, it is also important to understand that honoring and processing our emotions is necessary for the healing process.  You cannot expect to simply “move on”; there is no right or wrong way to grieve. 

 

Moving forward with an intention to heal is necessary for you to feel movement towards inner peace.  Changing the meaning of the loss to one that provides hope and encouragement is beneficial to healing.  Engage in activities that focus on present and future growth.  Focus on creating meaning that changes your perception of the loss.  What meaning does this loss have in your life?  Is it possible to change your perception?                       

 

The following have been helpful for others experiencing loss:

Allow yourself time to grieve – do not set a time limit on when the process “should” end

Journal to express thoughts and emotions

Meditate

Engage in a self-care routine, including, but not limited to, taking care of your health

Honor the loss in a manner you deem best– it may be creating a visual space with picture/objects or establishing a ritual, such as lighting a candle every evening

Connect with your support system

Seek professional support

 

Though loss and grieving are truly difficult experiences, they are tributes our love, commitment and connection.  By finding ways to continue to love to offer.