Building Resilience: How Summer Camps Help Young People To Deal With Frustration.

This article is written by JC Montenegro, PhD.

Based on my experience managing summer programs and working closely with young people, I have realized that summer camps effectively combat panic attacks. This year, I have encountered an unprecedented number of panic attacks among our campers and teenage counselors. These episodes are characterized by an overwhelming surge of fear and anxiety that takes over the body and mind. Symptoms include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, hot flashes or chills, chest pain, and detachment from reality. The experience is intensely frightening and disorienting, often leading to thoughts of losing control or fear of dying.

High levels of stress may trigger the rise in panic attacks among young people. However, I believe one of the leading causes is their inability to cope with frustration. Many young people are accustomed to getting what they want, and when they cannot, their minds and bodies enter a roller coaster of thoughts that culminate in a panic attack. This situation is exacerbated by excessive screen time, which averages over eight hours daily for some young people.

Our summer program provides an environment where young people and children can deal with frustration in different ways. We allow them to feel loved for who they are and learn from their mistakes without being judged. If they experience a panic attack, we are there to accompany them.

When a young person experiences a panic attack, We ensure they are accompanied and guided through breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. One effective method that helps young people and children to ground in the present moment is the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise:

• Look at five things.

• Touch four things.

• Listen to three things.

• Smell two things.

• Taste one thing.

As parents and educators, it is crucial to teach our young people how to deal with frustration and build resilience. Perfection is unnecessary; they are loved for who they are, not for what they do. Mistakes should be viewed as opportunities to learn. Emphasizing these perspectives can help our young people tremendously in a world that often pressures them to achieve perfection, primarily through social media platforms.

This article aims to provoke dialogue and raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of panic attacks among young people. We must work together to support our youth and help them grow into healthy human beings.

Call to Action

To support and help our young people:

1. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for young people to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment.

2. Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teach relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and the importance of taking breaks from screens.

3. Model Resilience: Show young people how to handle frustration and setbacks constructively.

4. Provide Support: Be present and available to offer comfort and guidance during difficult times.

5. Foster a Growth Mindset: Emphasize that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, not failures to be feared.

Together, we can make a significant difference in our young people's mental health and well-being.