Josselyn’s therapeutic summer camp reached new heights with a record 101 campers participating across two locations in Waukegan and Northfield this year. Camp Neeka is an accessible and inclusive summer day camp for children of all backgrounds. Led by trained therapists, Josselyn’s camp is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for children ages 7-16 with the goal of fostering mental well-being and emotional growth.
Maggie Nash, MSW, M.Ed., Director of Mental Health Education, designs the camp curriculum and programming. “Each activity in the curriculum is meticulously planned to help campers thrive,” Nash said. “Our goal is to create spaces for campers to safely explore and understand their big emotions while learning how to cope with confidence, not just at camp but in all areas of life.”
The skills campers are learning are making an impact in their home lives as well. A parent of a camper at Josselyn’s Waukegan location shared, “He has been letting us know how something made him feel [and he has] improved in how he reacts in certain situations.”
Returning camper Agatha, who is 14 years old, said one of the things she learned at Camp Neeka is how to handle challenging situations. “You can count down from 10 and take deep breaths. This helps if I’m stressed out so I can deal with what’s happening,” she explained.
Camp Neeka participation continues to expand to better serve Josselyn’s growing community. In Waukegan, 41 campers were guided by 20 counselors who are training for careers in the mental health field, while the Northfield location welcomed 60 campers with the support of 35 counselors. Josselyn staff therapists are a part of the mix of counselors so that our counselors in training are guided by, and learn from our experienced staff.
One staff therapist who is a camp counselor is Northbrook native Becky Shulman. Becky came to Josselyn six years ago as a camp counselor and she loved it so much she continued her training at the University of Chicago and now works full-time at Josselyn as a therapist.
“Many of these campers are at a developmental stage where they are trying to establish their own identities, deal with complex emotions, and navigate a wide range of social situations,” said Shulman. “Counselors can help by creating an environment where every camper feels seen, heard, and valued.”
The camp’s curriculum includes group therapy, art therapy, and movement therapy during the week, as well as field trips and experience days at nature preserves, sports facilities, waterparks, and local farms.
“Camp is more than just a place for kids to have fun, it’s a place where campers can explore their identities, learn coping and communication skills, and build friendships,” Shulman explained.
A parent of two campers summed up their experience by saying, “My children love going to Camp Neeka. They wished it lasted the whole summer!”
With the success of this year’s camp, plans are already in motion to expand and develop the program for next summer. “We’re thrilled to see how much Camp Neeka has grown,” said Nash. “We’re committed to continuing to provide these crucial therapeutic experiences for even more campers next year.”
