Volleyball is much more fun when played in an outdoor setting.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION for MENTAL PATIENTS

by Richard Novy

Outdoor education experiences have been related to a variety of subjects so why not mental health. Four years ago the Illinois State Psychiatric Institute began an all-hospital camping program whereby most patients would be free to participate in a four day campout. In each of the past years, approximately 40 patients and 20 staff members, mostly activity therapy and nursing, have attended. The exact number of patients attending is determined by the facilities available and the number of staff volunteering to attend. Each unit participating has the responsibility to provide an adequate number of staff members to cover their patients who participate.

Any patient may attend if they receive permission from their unit, their primary therapist, and their unit activity therapist. Ages may be anywhere between 17 and 65. There will be one doctor available at all times for emergencies and at least one nurse will attend the campout. A local hospital is also alerted should any emergency occur. Any medication required by a patient will be dispensed by the nurse at the appropriate time.

The organization and planning of the campout is the responsibility of the hospital's central recreation program. Food is provided by the dietary department at no expense to either patient or staff. Sleeping facilities consist of rustic cabins, each housing 5 to 6 patients and 1 to 2 supervisory staff.

All those attending are divided into three work groups. Each work group consists of a mixture of patients and staff from each of the various units. The work group is considered the "working core" of the camp. Care is taken to insure that each work group has a mixture of patients from various units. Each work group is responsible for preparing at least three meals, completing certain clean-up duties, and for participating as a group in certain sporting events.

Boating and canoeing are the most popular activities with the patients.

Throughout the stay at the camp, various activities are planned in conjunction with the outdoor setting. These may include boating, fishing, archery, wild flower sketching, outdoor arts and crafts, and swimming. At any given moment there will be at least two or more activities going on. The patients and staff are expected to attend these. Any free time available may be spent as such, however the patient is discouraged from returning to his cabin. Activities are usually planned throughout the day and into the early evening. Each activity is supervised by a staff member who has expertise in that area. The highlight of the camp is the last evening when each work group is required to put on some type of skit. At this time there is also an art fair exhibiting the various art and craft projects completed at camp. Parents and friends are encouraged to visit on this evening to partake in the festivities.

The goals of the type of program are to offer patients and staff an opportunity to engage in a wide variety of roles, relationships, and situations not normally encountered in the day-to-day hospital routine. These may include:

Illinois Parks and Recreation 20 January/February, 1975

Archery helps develop motor skills and concentration.

1) The developing of a very unique relationship between patient to patient, patient to staff, and staff to staff—a relationship previously unattainable at the hospital but easily accomplished at camp.

2) Provides a group living experience in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

3) It gives patients individual responsibility in planning, implementing, and the fellow-through necessary to insure their stay is a successful one.

4) Provides patients, most of whom come from an urban environment, the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the outdoors and its many benefits.

After each outing, one is really surprised to note the new spirit of the entire hospital. While patients may soon be discharged, the spirit carries on between the staff and improves their recognition and understanding of each other.

In closing, the trip does require extensive planning and after four years, mistakes and errors still happen. One major problem now rearing its head is budget cutbacks and inflation. This type of outing may cost about $7 per person for the entire trip, the major expenditure is that for a camp.

It is hoped that in the future campgrounds will be made available to those hospitals or organizations in need on a free or limited cost basis. It would be sad if such a program became another victim of the dollar shortage.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 21 January/ February 1974