SHA hosts first wellness camp in Moose Jaw
On February 21 to 23, the Saskatchewan Health Authority in partnership with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) is hosting a wellness camp – the Providing Opportunities Where Everyone Rises (POWER) camp – for young women in Moose Jaw. Based on a concept developed in Saskatchewan, the POWER camp will use sport, drama and art to help build participants into confident leaders and better communicators while learning about positive self-talk to improve their mental health. The POWER camp will also prepare these young women to support their families, friends and people in their communities.
Right: Bree Burgess, Camp Director in Moose Jaw.
This year’s camp will feature University of Regina basketball alumni, Bree Burgess, as one of the directors and coaches. Bree loves sports, but her real passion comes from developing leaders, and supporting youth in recognizing and reaching their full potential.
The camp is facilitated by an all-female staff of teachers for girls in grades 4 to 8, and participants are nominated by a selection committee. The committee was comprised of the Superintendents of Prairie South and Holy Trinity School Divisions, as well as managers within the SHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Services team.
According to Michael Seiferling, Director of Mental Health and Addictions with the SHA, it’s important to reach people at a young age with the information they need to look after their mental wellness. He believes the POWER camp is a great opportunity for people in the Moose Jaw area, “This is an opportunity for kids to build the skills they need for healthy mental wellness in a way that’s fun and enjoyable. The camp will increase their awareness of their mental health and provide them with the tools and competencies needed to help ensure their future well-being.”
A participant of the pervious power camp, hosted in Regina, reflected on her experience, “I learned valuable lessons in courage, power and resilience, and now I try my best to live by these words! At the POWER Camp, they taught me to go outside my comfort zone and be a better leader. I think every girl should have an experience like this!” The camp is designed to be a positive experience for students and help them foster skills that will allow them to find their path, their voice, and their confidence.
The SHA is proud to have a partnership with the MJHF that fosters innovation, and recognizes the importance initiatives such as the POWER camp have on developing the leaders of the future.