Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Location

Courage Quest Summer Camp, University of Rhode Island

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This paper examines an undergraduate internship experience at Courage Quest, a therapeutic summer day camp for children with anxiety, directed by Dr. Ellen Flannery-Schroeder at the University of Rhode Island. The program, grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emphasized resilience-building and the development of coping skills in children ages 8–12. As a camp counselor and program developer, I contributed to curriculum design, daily activity planning, and the creation of a staff handbook while also facilitating therapeutic games and interventions. Core responsibilities included observing campers’ progress, providing individualized support, collaborating with parents, and ensuring a balance between therapeutic goals and enjoyable camp experiences. This role allowed me to hone my skills in adaptability, critical observation, and motivational support while also getting firsthand experience with the use of CBT in a child-focused setting.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.