5. PREPARING FOR CAMP SELF-CARE: This week can be challenging, both mentally and physically. We will have a mental health professional dedicated to care for our staff and volunteers during camp. While we hope you can spend as much time with the campers as possible, we also expect and encourage you to take mental and physical breaks as needed to care for yourself. We ask that champions prioritize participating in your daily Kita Group, and schedule your down time accordingly. Ahead of camp, please reflect on what you may need for support during the week, and communicate that with us. We will have a dedicated mental health support resource for all of us on-site all week–Stacey Jenkins. POST-CAMP SELF CARE: Reacclimation back to the “real world” after camp can sometimes be challenging. Not only because you may have work that piled up during your time away from work, but also because you’re exhausted and have had an emotionally and physically charged week. Consider what you can arrange prior to camp that will help you to transition home successfully. Ideas may be: * Scheduling an additional session with your therapist * Planning your workload to require less intense deliverables or meetings for the first few days upon your return * Cleaning your space before you leave so you can arrive home to a calm environment * Scheduling a meet up with friends or family upon your return * Taking an additional vacation day from work * Telling those close to you that you may need additional support when you arrive home, and letting them know how you would like to receive that support. WORKING WITH CCS: CCS counselors and staff should be seen as, and treated as, our partners and teammates. As adults, and with the camper’s experience as our mutual priority, all of us are responsible to ensure our campers have a safe, fun, and healing week together. Communication and developing a respectful-working relationship with your camper’s cabin counselors is important. In addition, we know there are staff members from the CCS who have their own lived experience to suicide, grief, and mental health struggles. They may find this week challenging, and we should always show them the same compassion and understanding as we do for one another, and our campers.