Mental Health Initiatives
Jewish camp provides an opportunity for people to feel safe and uniquely empowered to embrace their whole selves – mentally, emotionally, and socially. As Rabbi Hillel teaches, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” The caretakers, camp staff, need tools to cultivate resiliency and strengthen wellness habits. “If I am only for myself, what am I?” Jewish camps have an enormous opportunity to teach children and young adults how to take care of one another, and why. “If not now, when?” Ranked as one of the highest needs among camps through the American Camp Association’s 2017 Emerging Issues study, growing awareness and evolving complexity of mental health challenges in our society necessitates camps proactively support the mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) needs of every community member. FJC’s efforts aim to build stronger, more inclusive, and resilient Jewish camps and communities year-round.
FJC’s current mental health initiatives and offerings can be found below. For more information, contact Jill Goldstein Smith, Program Manager, at Jill@jewishcamp.org.
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