Camp Boggy Creek Introduces Mental Health Support Team
MENTAL HEALTH VOLUNTEERS WILL HELP TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL ILLNESSES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Camp Boggy Creek Media Contact: Thomas Jelneck, CMO: 352-483-4200 x 4639, tjelneck@campboggycreek.org
EUSTIS, FL. January 9, 2024 - Camp Boggy Creek, A SeriousFun Children's Network Camp that serves children with serious medical illnesses and their families is enhancing its life-changing Camp programming by adding a mental health team. Led by a full time Mental Health Professional, a team of experienced volunteers will be present for the campers and their families during the year-round Camp sessions.
The addition of mental health volunteers, including a year-round licensed mental health counselor, represents a significant step forward in ensuring comprehensive care for children facing serious medical illnesses and their families. Recognizing these campers' unique emotional and psychological needs, Camp Boggy Creek aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment where mental health is prioritized alongside physical health and well-being.
Camp Boggy Creek President & CEO, Dan Jurman speaks about the addition: "When a child and their family receive a difficult medical diagnosis, it is a very traumatic time. Children are often isolated during treatment, their parents face challenges on a variety of levels, and siblings experience a very stressful time. Camp Boggy Creek exists to help ease that trauma by providing free, life-changing, medically safe Camp experiences for children and their families. This addition of mental health professionals adds a whole new layer to our intentional recreational programming and will help to build even more resilience in our campers."
Qualified professionals will lead the mental health team of volunteers and will provide opportunities for educational experiences for aspiring undergraduate students. The team will also provide individual and group support for campers, families, and summer staff. As our camper population or diagnosis groups change, the team will have the flexibility to offer tailored programming which may include workshops, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness activities. The team will be available 24/7 during sessions to ensure immediate support in case of any emotional or psychological concerns.
Camp's new full time Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness, James Rujimora, M.Ed., LMHC adds: "Camp Boggy Creek's commitment to providing holistic care for children with serious medical illnesses aligns with its important mission to provide a free, life-changing Camp experience that enriches the physical and behavioral health of families facing significant challenges. The addition of mental health volunteers reflects the organization's dedication to addressing each camper's unique behavioral and emotional needs."
To learn more about Camp Boggy Creek please visit https://boggycreek.org. To learn how to can get involved as a mental health volunteer, please contact James Rujimora at jrujimora@campboggycreek.org or call 352-483-4200 ext. 4226.
ABOUT CAMP BOGGY CREEK:
Since 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically- sound environment. Located just a short drive from Orlando, Florida, the 232-acre Camp serves children ages 7-16 who’ve been impacted by a serious illness. As a year-round retreat, Camp Boggy Creek serves thousands of campers and their families through activity-packed weekly and weekend camp programs to support their physical and emotional wellness/wellbeing.