Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is how we think, feel, and act and it is an important part of our overall health and social/emotional well-being. The YMCA and Camp Greenville supports the mental health of individuals by supporting members of our community by helping them reach their full potential. Our campers are encouraged to play outside and be in the sun, which naturally produces serotonin and dopamine, boosting their mood. As well, campers learn life skills in a safe and caring environment.

Whether it be taking a hike on their day off or talking with friends before bed, many members of our summer camp staff focus on self-care. Taking time for yourself and your own needs is a positive way to practice good mental health. Caring for yourself in return allows you to care for others.

Camp Greenville is continuing to learn about mental health and ways to best support campers and staff. A portion of donations from our recent Annual Campaign support mental health programming. Members of our leadership team are doing their part to learn more about mental health strategies. Our Director of Family Programs, Alex Beavers, is in the Mental Health Cohort with the Camp Inclusion Project.

We are committed in doing our best to effectively recognize and support mental health and provide resources for our campers and staff to solve problems, navigate pressures, and establish healthy coping mechanisms.