CAHS’ School Based Behavioral Health Program served 185 students this summer during its Summer Enrichment Program, and more than 130 clients received individual sessions in addition to their camp experience.
School Based Behavioral Health Program Director Bethany Sclafani, LCSW-BACS, said the camps, which began June 1 and ended July 9, were held at eight schools in five area parishes. The program offered arts, crafts, and recreation along with behavioral help and counseling sessions with therapists.
The camps featured unique activities, such as those at Central Primary in Ascension Parish where camp began with a yoga activity called “Rainbow of Confidence” by Cosmic Kids yoga. Throughout the exercise, positive affirmation statements were repeated to match each color of the rainbow.
Another activity, “Bye-Bye Boat,” included guided meditation where the students practiced putting their worries, fears, and anger onto a toy boat they made and imagined the boat taking their worries away.
The clients also read books and stories and participate in exercises that help them learn how to manage stress and their emotions.
