In this episode, Anne and Colleen talk about the value of summer camp, particularly in shaping leadership skills, personal growth, and providing unique opportunities for young people to gain responsibility and experience. They reflect on their own experiences working at camp and the lessons they learned that continue to influence them in their personal and professional lives. The conversation touches on the development of soft skills, the importance of connection, and how camp fosters a unique sense of community. Anne and Colleen also discuss the transition from the "magic" of camp to other work environments, highlighting the contrast between the high level of responsibility and the strong sense of mission at camp compared to more traditional workplaces.

This episode highlights the profound impact that summer camp can have on both the staff and the campers. It’s not just about the skills learned but about building connections, growing as individuals, and experiencing a sense of belonging and purpose. For parents, camp is a safe space for their children to develop independence while still being supported in a nurturing environment. The lessons and growth from camp remain with individuals for years to come.

Important Messages

Connection over skill: The central philosophy of camp work is to "teach the camper, not the skill." Building a personal connection with campers and staff is emphasized as crucial for creating a positive impact and fostering learning.

The magic of camp: The sense of community and mission-driven environment in camps creates a unique "magic" that isn't often found in other workplaces. Camp helps young people shape their values by understanding the "why" behind their actions and the work they do, fostering a deep sense of purpose that can be carried into other areas of life and work.

Leadership and responsibility at camp: Working at camp, especially as a young person, provides unique leadership opportunities, such as giving and receiving feedback, planning programs, and managing responsibility. These experiences are invaluable in preparing individuals for future careers.

Personal growth and development: Both staff and campers have the opportunity to develop valuable life skills, such as self-awareness, leadership, teamwork, and resilience, in a supportive and nurturing environment. These experiences go beyond hard skills and can influence personal and professional growth.

The importance of camp for parents and caregivers: Camp provides parents with an opportunity to practice "letting go" and allows children to learn independence, make mistakes, and grow outside of the home environment. It also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing space.

Financial Resources for Camp

• Kids in Camp: https://kidsincamp.com/

• Amici Children’s Camp Charity: https://www.amicicharity.org/

• Ontario Camps Association: https://ontariocampsassociation.ca/
  

In this episode of Exception Seekers, therapist and educator Jake Ernst shares his insights on relational therapy, and the need for a societal shift that recognizes the critical importance of human connection. Jake encourages us to reframe how we approach mental health, especially with children, so that we can look past the idea of individual skill sets and consider mental health as a system of relationships to be nurtured. This episode touches on the impact of social media, recognizing passive versus active technology use, the myth of self-regulation, and all things in between, Jake’s humility, curiosity, and emphasis on relational context stand out as deeply humanizing and hopeful, as he shares ideas on how to build connection with young people.

Important Messages

Co-Regulation as a Foundation: Jake emphasizes that co-regulation is a prerequisite for self-regulation. Children (and adults) need safe, emotionally attuned relationships before they can regulate themselves. This idea challenges models that expect individuals, especially young kids, to "self-regulate" in isolation.

Mattering matters: of the three entry points into helping kids co-regulate, Jake highlights that “mattering”- having a meaningful significance in someone's life - is important and very often missed. Jake shares ideas on how adults can help young people feel like they matter.

Healing Requires a Shift from 'Fixing' to Relating: the conversation critiques cultural and therapeutic models that promote "fix the child" or "learn to regulate" approaches without acknowledging the relational, systemic, and social environments that shape those needs. Jake stresses the importance of relational health over rigid behaviour correction.

Not all Screens are Created Equal: Jake shares his interest in investigating social media and technology on human development and its impact on our ability to connect with others in real life.

We’re All Performing Something: Jake shares that he realized early in life that people are often "performing" roles, and liberation came from releasing himself from that pressure. It allowed him to simply be, rather than perform what he thought he should be.

Resources Mentioned:

• Clinical Practice: Straight Up Health (https://www.straightuphealth.ca/)

• Podcast: This Isn’t Therapy (https://open.spotify.com/show/0gvAhpRsaI8lDip7B1Jpi9)

• Social Media: @mswjake

In this episode of Exception Seekers, we welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a leading expert in eating disorders and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Dr. Federici shares her journey into the field, her passion for challenging conventional treatment models, and how she integrates DBT into eating disorder treatment. She discusses the systemic barriers in mental health care, the importance of lived experience in treatment approaches, and the development of her MED-DBT model.

Dr. Federici highlights the importance of being an Exception Seeker—challenging norms, questioning systems, and continuously striving to improve mental health care. Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or someone navigating the system, her insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can do better.

Important Messages

The power of lived experience: People with firsthand experience of eating disorders provide invaluable insights, yet their voices have historically been dismissed. Traditional treatment models often fail to address the full spectrum of eating disorders, and innovative approaches like DBT can offer better support.

DBT as a transformational tool: DBT’s focus on emotional regulation, acceptance, and co-constructed treatment plans makes it an effective modality for complex cases.

Systemic barriers in mental health care: There is a disconnect between research, clinical practice, and accessibility, leaving many without adequate support.

Empowering caregivers: Educating parents and caregivers with practical skills can significantly impact recovery, even if the individual is not yet ready for treatment.

The importance of advocacy: Seeking alternatives, pushing against systemic limitations, and creating research-backed models can lead to better outcomes for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

• Organizations: Body Brave, NEDIC, Sheena’s Place, National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)

• Dr. Anita Federici’s Work: MED-DBT caregiver group, upcoming book on MED-DBT

• Training & Education: SickKids