As many parents know, our children need socialization to thrive, it is an important part of their development and happiness. With the onset of the pandemic, socialization was severely restricted. Children could not see their friends, teachers, coaches and even some family members.
Loneliness caused by the pandemic is particularly tough on children, they have a harder time communicating their feelings and are unable to rely on familiar coping strategies such as visiting with friends. Loneliness in children and adolescents is also worrisome because it can have long-term effects. Research shows that loneliness in kids, especially over extended periods, is linked with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety in the following years. Due to heightened stress and reduced access to health care, the COVID-19 pandemic also might worsen children’s existing mental health conditions.
Social distancing measures also prevent kids from spending time with their peers during an important period of growth and social development. Friendships with other children can give kids crucial support, build a sense of belonging and help them to develop personal identities.
In children around the age of ten, socialization takes on an increased significance according to Dr. Ronald Dahl from the Center for Developing Adolescent at UC Berkley. According to Dr. Dahl, social skills are crucial to children at this age and cannot be taught by Zoom lessons. This is even more important in the teenage years when kids are finding their niche and opportunities to shine.
Dr. Kelly Newby, a Clinical Psychologist, saw the weight of social isolation on children and felt passionately that she had to do something. “After seeing six and seven year olds with suicidal thoughts I could not sit and do nothing,” she said. Newby decided it was time to take action. She and her staff of licensed therapists began to create a Therapeutic Day Camp called Thrive. This Day Camp presented an opportunity for all ages to engage in a socialization movement. The camp began in September of 2020 at Manitou Hill Farms as a full day camp that met in person. The owner of the horse farm, Jane Gebhardt, generously opened her facility to the Thrive Day Camp on Wednesdays. Dr. Newby brought in extra shelters to create more indoor space and room to break into smaller groups. The staff at Dr. Newby’s office began to create day-long programs to get kids together in a safe, therapeutic and educational venue.
The staff provided a structured trauma informed hands on learning approach. In addition to the staff at Dr. Newby’s office, Teresa Sheffield joined the team as the lead equine instructor. Teresa is a Trauma Informed Riding Instructor who not only specializes in riding but also in PTSD, anxiety and trauma. The Thrive Camp staff used the great outdoors as the primary setting with plenty of fresh air and nature. Activities range from horseback riding, creative arts, music, yoga – sometimes with a donkey, sports, gardening and community service projects. “We created an opportunity for adolescents and adults to be empowered, teach, support and provide valuable mentorship to one another,” said Dr. Newby.
Thrive Therapeutic Day Camp averages approximately 50 children and teens with 12 staff including therapists, group facilitators, riding instructor, psychologist, interns and volunteers. “The camp is structured to help encourage children and teens to engage in social connectedness, team building and hands on learning,” said Dr. Newby. The interactiveness of the program is purposefully designed to help combat the issues children are experiencing in this past year of social isolation. The participants also work on community service projects to give an added level of purpose. The camp has performed service projects for veterans on Veteran’s Day, helped at a homeless shelter at Christmas time and worked with the ongoing Colorful Hugs program which brings smiles to residents at local nursing homes. According to Dr. Newby, “The goal of the camp is to normalize mental health, provide alternative socialization, therapeutic educational opportunities, and support to tackle typical conflicts while improving social communication skills.”
Dr. Newby encourages all parents to check in with their children regularly by asking how they are doing and by supporting their emotions. She finds that sometimes parents are afraid to ask, fearing that they might validate possible negative behavior. “How is this affecting you? is a great question to ask your child,” Dr. Newby said. Validating your child’s emotions is what helps get them to the other side. As the pandemic restrictions slowly return, work towards a semi-normal climate. Dr. Newby sees the light shining through but she also sees some clouds as the focus shifts from the physical concerns of the virus to the emotional damage caused by the long term social isolation. “Carrying respect for both physiology and psychology, with humble leadership and common sense in our pockets, it is time to open our doors, hold hands again, and resume humanity. If we take the initiative, expecting the mental health consequences rather than ignore them we can come out of this stronger together,” she said. To learn more about the Thrive Day Camp or if you are interested in volunteering at the camp visit https://www.drkellynewby.com/donate.php#dayCamp
In addition to the therapeutic day camp there are many other children socialization programs available throughout our area. The Greece Police Department offers children’s programs at no charge to residents of the town. The Police Athletic League is winding down their bowling season and now beginning to take registrations for their summer softball program where children of all ages can learn how to play softball with the help of volunteer police officers. To learn more about the longstanding PAL program visit https://greecepal.com/
Local town recreation departments also offer an excellent array of children’s activities and sports. Greece Recreation is offering many fun and safe programs for children of all ages. Some examples of spring and summer programs are Introduction to Theater, Fork Painting for Kids, Kindness Rocks at Veterans Park, NFL Flag football, Punch Bowl Fun for Preschoolers and more. To learn more about these programs visit https://greeceny.gov/departments/parksandrecreation/recreation
The Town of Greece also has amazing outdoor play opportunities in their 13 playgrounds including the one of a kind Kid’s Canyon Playground and Water Park.
Local churches offer a wonderful opportunity for children to safely socialize while their parents are attending service and summer camps. First Bible Baptist, Lake Shore Community Church and Hope Lutheran are just a few of the active local churches that offer in-person enriching children’s programs at no charge. Summer Bible Camps are also beginning registration very soon at many area churches which gives children a chance to socialize in a faith based community.
While the Covid-19 virus is typically benign in children, the implications of the pandemic could have lasting impacts on our youngest community members. Maintaining common sense precautions and providing children essential opportunities to have social interaction is the key to balancing both physical and mental health for children and families. Although their world may not return to what it once was, it is important that parents and caregivers acknowledge how this affects the younger generations and find ways to help them thrive.
Photos by Karen Fien
