Teamwork is a skill every individual needs, whether they work in a corporate office, manage a household, volunteer in their communities, or all of the above. It is one of the most critical skills for a full life, but it can be one of the hardest to cultivate.
Children and teenagers who grow up without this skill are likely to become adults who have a hard time building relationships. In their personal lives and at work, this can be a real hindrance to people who otherwise have all the tools for success.
We can all remember a time when an experience that was supposed to be cooperative ended up being nothing of the sort. All it takes is one person's bad attitude or neglect of their responsibilities to derail a project. If your child is that person who lets others down or is reluctant to take on responsibility, he or she needs teamwork training.
Teamwork training doesn’t have to look like, well, training. It can involve playing sports, working through a puzzle with friends, working together on a volunteer project, or creating a piece of art together. At Camp SEK, participants work together to carry out some of the basic operations of a farm. Your camper will meet new people and engage with them to navigate a ropes course, care for animals, participate in group therapy, and more. All of this happens under the supervision of supportive mental health professionals.
When someone contributes positively to a group, they gain self-confidence. They find it easier to build new friendships and to be recognized by others for their unique talents. Even the most independent people can find joy and meaning in working with others, even if they are used to flying solo.
Someone with low self-esteem may have a hard time recognizing their God-given talents. This person may feel like they have nothing to offer to the team, even though that’s not true. Others may be so afraid to let others down that they are unwilling to make an effort. They simply don’t want to try, because they are afraid to fail. By trying new things and recognizing the ways he or she can contribute, this person comes to realize they are capable of helping others, and that doing so brings joy.
Even the individual aspects of therapy help your teen become a stronger teammate. Therapeutic modalities like equine therapy, art therapy, and psychodrama help participants learn to communicate their emotions, plus how to be an active and engaged listener. Communication is the foundation of all teamwork, and these camp activities help your teen develop skills they will use for a lifetime to connect with the people around them.
Participants get to practice working with others, sharing their talents, and becoming trustworthy teammates. They exercise these mental and emotional "muscles" in a supportive environment, where they'll be coached by trained professionals on how to be their best selves. These skills translate to home life and school, making your teen more confident in groups.