Mental Health and Nature at Maine Camps

Naomi Osaka’s recent fine, potential disqualification, and eventual withdrawal from the tennis French Open has shed a light on mental health and the toll that anxiety and depression can take. Michael Phelps and other athletes have also shared their struggles. This is obviously not just an affliction of professional athletes; many children and adults also suffer. While we in no way will claim that going to summer camp in Maine will completely eradicate mental struggles (especially for those requiring therapy, medicine and other solutions), we do want to highlight that countless studies have found that being outside is good for your mental health, and that campers and staff can benefit significantly from spending the summer at Maine Camps. Research has shown that spending time outside and in nature can significantly reduce anxiety and depression. Being outside, in fresh air helps lift your mood and your sense of well-being. And, research specifically into ecotherapy, a type of formal treatment that involves doing activities outside in nature, has shown that it helps with mild to moderate depression. With all that said, Maine Camps are an ideal place to spend a summer or even a few weeks. Campers spend the majority of their days and nights outside where they enjoy days full of outdoor activities. And, Maine Camps are situated on large grounds so there is plenty of space and there are a variety of different areas on the grounds for which to have outdoor fun. Campers spend significant time on the lake each day - swimming, boating, water skiing, paddle boarding and more. They also as have plenty of time on vast fields playing individual and team sports ranging from golf and tennis to lacrosse, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball and softball. Campers enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses in nature, and oftentimes even enjoy arts classes outside on the porch or lawn of arts and crafts buildings with views of the lake. Activities like biking, hikes, and equestrian are all outside. Morning flagpole meetings are held outside. Evening activities are often held outside as are evening campfires. Many meals are eaten outdoors. All this outside time boosts chemicals in our body that fight anxiety and depression, boost our overall immune system, lowers our blood pressure, and makes us feel less stressed. Being outside heightens our immune systems, improves our self-esteem and helps us feel more creative. With staff arriving this week and campers in just a couple short weeks, we’re looking forward to lots of quality camp time outside! Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.