Camp Wediko, The Home’s lakeside summer program in New Hampshire, blends the best of summer camp with the best of therapy. The children who join us for the six-week session have complex mental health needs, and social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Too often, their struggles keep them out of the fun. At Camp Wediko, they dive in, tapping into their strengths, cheering for one another and building skills that will serve them at home and in school—all while having the time of their lives.
Every summer, campers learn to swim or ride a mountain bike for the first time. Kids go on adventures, take healthy risks, gain insight into their feelings, develop coping skills, form friendships and make memories they’ll carry with them for life.
While the wooded paradise is the medium, it’s the community that makes camp truly unique. Every child is accepted, completely and unconditionally. “These kids don’t get that in the real world,” explains Program Director Gavin Meade, M.A. “They may have family systems that love and support them. They might have good friends. A lot of them don’t. Camp is probably one of the only places they’ve been where every adult has this sense of love and compassion but also holding limits and pushing for wins.”
Every camper benefits. Families often write to staff months, sometimes years, after their child attends camp. “They’ll say everything has changed, that their kid is doing so much better and that family dynamics have improved,” shares Program Coordinator Logan Jones. “Learning about the aftereffects is the best part of the job,” he says. “Our work here doesn’t stop. It creates a lasting impact.”
RETURNING CAMPERS SOUND OFF
Emmett* has been coming to camp for six years and hopes to be a staff member someday. When he first arrived, he struggled to express his feelings. Instead of speaking, he’d write down his thoughts when he was upset and hand it to the person. At camp, he worked hard at communication; today, it is one of his strong suits.
BEST PART OF CAMP WEDIKO:
The relationships, friendships and memories you make here. I’ve also had fun experiences, like playing Pirates versus Ninjas, which is like Capture the Flag, but on two islands in Black Pond. We go on canoes and battle with water balloons. You have to get on the other team’s island and capture their flag without getting caught.
CAMP TAKEAWAYS:
It’s easier for me to express how I feel and what I need. I am now able to tell my mom how she can help me with school and other things. I am also more respectful. At camp, I noticed how nice everyone was to each other. I was like, okay, let me try what they’re doing. Now, it’s something I do every day.
Willow is 13 years old and in her second year at Camp Wediko. She is learning how to get along with people and working on relationships. Willow participates in the prevocational program and earns money for light tasks around the setting. She was excited to come back this year; “It kinda feels like home.”
BEST PART OF CAMP WEDIKO:
Biking because I don’t get to do that at home. Swimming, too. Last year, I passed my pretests (100 laps in Pool #2!) and got to swim out to Capps Island with a really fun girl from my cabin. We ate popsicles, chilled out and then swam back.
CAMP TAKEAWAYS:
I take home anything I work on here that helps me. Last year, I really focused on controlling my anger, and I used that outside of camp. Being in nature helps, so I go on walks or sit at the nearest park and look at the view.
*The names of youth have been changed for privacy.
