Fewer fights occurred amongst campers. Fewer restraints were necessary. Our average length of stay was cut in half. Long term results of this model are also encouraging. Lee Miller, whose daughter has recently graduated from camp, agreed.
Campers set goals for each weekend and parents give feedback to counselors about how things went.
I was glad for the opportunity to work on these difficult issues with her. Because I was seeing her each weekend, I became aware of what the problem spots were and we were able to work through them. This shift in program design evolved from a competency-based approach to family therapy. While a child is involved in the camp program, the family is expected to participate in family therapy. Having campers come home each weekend allows the family to attend therapy sessions together.