The World’s Most Therapeutic, Non-Therapeutic Summer Camp

I started Odyssey Teen camp twenty-three years ago because I wanted to create a place to help teenagers who might be struggling. We didn’t advertise ourselves that way, but I believe most teenagers struggle to feel good about themselves and that many suffer in silence. I know I did when I was a teenager. I thought that if we could create a community where teens knew they were safe and were treated with kindness, love, and respect, they would feel secure enough to share their gifts and not have to shrink or hide.

Our camp’s longtime staff, parents, and research studies tell us that teenagers seem to feel more lonely and isolated than ever. Many of our campers share stories with us about the ways that this is true for them.

OTC is not a “therapeutic program” – we don’t have a clinical approach, provide therapy, or treat our campers as clients or patients. However, if you consider the definition of “therapeutic” and what it means to have a “therapeutic effect” on someone as something that has a healing effect, something that helps you relax and feel better, I think we meet the description.

Odyssey Teen Camp is a place where everyone can become healthier and happier. Therapeutic experiences happen all over camp each and every day. You can see it in the laughter and joy on people’s faces. We are a place where everyone, including our staff, unwind and find joy and peace… that sounds like good therapy to me!