Maine Ties

Happy campers: mental health support for kids

Maine Community Foundation Season 1 Episode 5

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to educate and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

Camp Beech Cliff (CBC) on Mount Desert Island is a traditional Maine day camp, offering classic camp  activities for ages 6-18, from swimming and boating to rock climbing and crafts.

But what happens when a child is experiencing big emotions that prevent them from enjoying the day? CBC has implemented a series of mental health supports, including hiring a camper support specialist and offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training to the community.

Camp Director Matt Cornish and Corrie Hunkler, youth engagement coordinator at Healthy Acadia, talk about the importance of mental health services for young campers and offer practical tips for caregivers on how to support children's mental health this summer.

The "Maine Ties" theme is "Blue Heron" by 317 Main.

People on this episode