Therapeutic camps

The natural environment as an element in treatment

Every so often a group of enthusiastic staff and clients take part in a therapeutic summer camp. Inspired by recent research by a team of Polish psychiatrists, on a community programme for in-patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, this group has met regularly to set a theoretical basis for the project and plan a clinical framework upon which the camps are run. The five day camps are an integral extension of CHT's existing therapeutic programmes, with a structured programme of group therapy. In addition there are excursions into the countryside and communal activities focussed on cooking, around a camp fire. The daily structure combines planned activities, such as riding, climbing and cycling with informal times, such as the preparation of meals or sitting around a campfire. A daily community meeting takes place in which clients reflect on the thoughts and feelings aroused by the experiences the group has gone through as members interacted with nature and with each other.

Those wishing to take part in one of CHT's therapeutic summer camps do not have to be clients or staff of CHT. Clients and staff members from other agencies for the mentally ill are encouraged to apply for a place. In 2010 a group of clients and staff learnt to ski in the Polish mountains with staff and patients from Cracow.