Kids are finding hope at Camp BELIEVE

As children throughout Nova Scotia soak in the goodness of summer vacation, dozens of them are anxiously awaiting their return to a place where they can be themselves.

“I don’t feel different than anyone else there. And I have no stress or worries when

I’m at camp,” says one happy camper.

That special place is Camp BELIEVE at Brigadoon Village, a weeklong overnight camp for children aged 10 to 18 who are affected by a parent or guardian’s mental illness. An initiative of the Mental Health Foundation of

Nova Scotia, in partnership with Brigadoon Village, the camp is set in the beautiful Annapolis Valley on Aylesford Lake.

“Camp is this magical bubble away from what makes the real world hard,” says Tiffany MacInnis, the summer director at Brigadoon Village. “It presents meaningful opportunities for campers to work on things that are difficult and allows them to see what they’re actually capable of back home.”

The five-day getaway allows children to connect with others who have similar family experiences, while reaping the mental health benefits of the summer camp experience. Activities include visual and performing arts, wilderness and environmental education, cooking, aquatics and leadership challenges.

“Mental illness doesn’t occur in isolation; it affects the entire family,” says Starr Cunningham, the president and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “Parents and guardians who live with mental disorders can experience a lot of stress and guilt about how their illness impacts their children. On the flip side, children have a lot of questions and concerns related to their neuro-diverse family lifestyle. Camp BELIEVE is a place where families can get the support they need to thrive in everyday life.”

The impact of Camp BELIEVE is incredible. The majority of campers leave with a toolkit of new coping strategies and feel more comfortable talking about their life situation. Ninety-two per cent of campers say they feel better about themselves upon leaving and 80 per cent show more confidence and independence.

“Our approach at camp is really positive reinforcement. We focus on pointing out the good choices they make and emphasizing their strengths,” says MacInnis. “The goal is for campers to leave having more positive words to describe themselves than before they arrived.”

For parents and guardians who live with mental disorders, there is often an underlying worry about the impact the illness is having on their children. Camp BELIEVE helps address those concerns by helping children develop important life skills, character and meaningful relationships that contribute to their continued growth and success outside of camp.

“He’s been able to stay home alone, which he refused to do this before this summer,” says a parent. “He is also participating in youth group. He still shuts down, but will request alone time and then return and discuss afterwards. He’s been more open to discussing therapies and coping strategies. Camp BELIEVE has been healing, provided growth, encouragement and fun.”

“When I got there, I instantly felt safe and it felt very homey,” says another camper. “All the staff were so nice. I’m so glad I had the chance to go to Camp BELIEVE. It made me more confident and it was so much fun!”

To learn more about Camp BELIEVE 2022, contact camp registrar Sally Banks at info@ brigadoonvillage.org or visit brigadoonvillage.org.

Jill Chappell is the marketing and communications lead of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. She’s an award-winning broadcaster, entrepreneur, community volunteer and mom to two active and adventurous twin boys