Stories
Hear what our youth have to say.
This group was EXTREMELY helpful for me because it made me feel more validated during this period of chronic pain when talking to other people about it around my age. Essentially, made me feel less isolated and alone.
CHYP Youth, Creating Bonds Group
I learned that, while this doesn't dominate my identity, it is a significant part of that. And maybe that's okay, maybe it's okay to stop separating my two ‘selves,’ if you will, from before and during this chronic pain journey. Both are a part of me.
CHYP Youth, Creating Bonds Group
The majority of my past interactions were solely during vigorous treatments groups where our socialization was very limited, strict and the conversation was treatment based. I loved camp because I got to meet people in a much more comfortable and fun setting. It was really cool to find our common interests and learn so much about the other people in camp. It’s fascinating to me to hear about other people’s stories and relate to them. I found that camp did that in a casual, appropriate and non-triggering way. I absolutely loved the time I was able to interact with the other teens at camp.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2021
The main thing for me was just relating to everyone at camp. The only time I felt comforted by the fact that I’m not alone and all these people understand me. It was such an impactful experience.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2021
I’ve learned different ways I can create during hard times. I’ve learned new ways to write and express my discomfort in a therapeutic & productive way. Such as painting during flare ups and writing my thoughts through story telling.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2021
I knew of all these creative tools before camp, but I could never convince myself to try them. This camp brought all of the tools I needed to shift my perspective and finally try them. It's one thing to tell someone that these tools are helpful. It's entirely [different thing] to sway them into actively trying it.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2020
It wasn’t just the facilitators who understood us and workshops (which were super fun), but the counselors and campers were all so talented and encouraging! We all got each other and got along greatly. I think I'm going to stay friends with some of them for the rest of my life, quite honestly.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2020
Really engaging, educational, and supportive. Having peers to connect with and openly share our thoughts are what many people suffering from chronic pain lack. Isolation, for example, is a big part of living with chronic illnesses. This camp tackled it and then some.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2020
Overall, I thought it bordered on life-changing. As to why, it all comes down to the people involved. No matter how well structured, organized, or planned the camp was, the people involved were what made or broke it. Being enthused and engaged inside and out of camp is largely dependent on the other people in the activity. When you experience chronic pain, it's rarely easy for you to take that first step, to be the inspiration. This camp lit that chain reaction.
CHYP Youth, Summer Camp 2020