A Recovery Focused Camp For Girls 14-24

This blog is tailored mainly for those between the ages of 14-24 who are looking for another recovery-based program. I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at the Looking Glass Eating Disorders Summer Camp and truthfully it was a life-changing week. Not only are you given the opportunity to connect with and be supported by so many incredible women but you also get to spend a week removed from your typical environment that challenges you to experience yourself in a different way.   Here are 10 reasons why I think you should consider going to camp next year

1. Every camper has walked a path similar to yours. While their story is different they understand what you are going through better than most and can support you in ways different to what you may receive in your daily life.
2. You get to escape to the forest for a week. Nature has been shown to be therapeutic and healing in recovery and Loon Lake offers some of the most beautiful surroundings in the lower mainland. What is better than hanging out on a dock in the sun while being surrounded by an old growth forest?
3. You build a really amazing support system and incredible friendships that help your grow and make healthy choices both at camp and afterwards.
4. You get to challenge yourself and see what you are capable of. When you struggle with an eating disorder it is easy to lose sight of all you are capable of outside of your disorder. The activities at camp will show you just how strong you are.
5. You get to act like a kid again.  As you grow up there aren’t many opportunities where the entire focus for the day is getting out and having fun. When you struggle with an eating disorder this becomes even more limited.
6. Meal Support. Camp has a policy around when you have to eat and how much you have to eat which is often overwhelming and at times difficult. There is always a wonderful staff member there to help support you through it so you don’t have to face it alone.
7. The staff is incredible. You will be guided and supported by some of the most incredible women who are there for you 24 hours a day with helpful insights on how to get you through whatever obstacle you are facing in that moment.
8. For a week you get to live a life where your eating disorder doesn’t define you. You aren’t seen as only your disorder but rather a whole person where that is just one piece of the puzzle. At camp, while that piece is acknowledged, it is the other ones that are focused on.
9. It gives you an opportunity to reflect and understand your disorder in a different way. Through some of the educational discussions and activities you are given an opportunity to gain insight into what your journey has been and what you need as you continue towards recovery.
10. It gives you a place to leap from. Recovery is a really big challenge and sometimes the hardest thing to do is to start. Camp gives you a place to (re)start and jump off from so that you can get grounded in your recovery process and hopefully keep the ball rolling.

If you or anyone you know is between the ages of 14-24 and looking for a recovery based program for next summer I highly recommend contacting Looking Glass and signing up for their summer camp. It really is one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had.