Girl Scout Camp Turns to Knitting as a Tool for Mental Wellbeing
For many young campers, summer camp signifies friendships and outdoor adventures. However, at Camp Kaufman in upstate New York, a different activity is taking center stage: knitting. The Girl Scouts of Greater New York are utilizing the craft to foster community, bolster self-esteem, and provide a tangible sense of accomplishment.
A Stitch in Time: Knitting’s Unexpected Role in Youth Mental Health
“This is a place where we give them the permission to learn by doing and to do it in the most fun way possible,” explained Kristen Glass, director of camps and outdoor education. “Community is essential, and that’s what we provide here at camp.” The sprawling 425-acre facility in Dutchess County offers the typical camp experiences – hiking, swimming, and campfire stories – but the focus on knitting is undeniably distinctive.
Lead knitting instructor Cecilia Nelson-Hurt emphasizes the activity’s multifaceted benefits. “To find ways to work together and individually to find inner peace, to be able to have positive relationships with ourselves and with others,” she stated. “It’s so great to see them move away from the screens and just scrolling and being able to do something, not only just a good use of their hands, but be able to make something at the end of it.”
Campers are reporting positive outcomes. “Both knitting and zip-lining can challenge your mind in a positive way because it makes you think. It’s like processing,” said A’tijah. “It helps you challenge yourself.” Another camper, Alyssa, described the experience as “a conversation opener,” noting that knitting provides a natural way to connect with peers. “It’s like a conversation opener because when you’re knitting with someone else, it’s like, ‘Oh, do you need help? How are you doing so far?’”
Research increasingly supports the therapeutic potential of knitting. According to the National Institutes of Health, non-pharmaceutical treatments for mild to moderate depression, malaise, isolation, and anhedonia – often referred to collectively – can include social activities. “The pride that comes from some kind of arts and crafts can be really healing,” explained Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, a psychologist specializing in young adult mental health. “It’s a tangible accomplishment.”
Morireoluwa shared, “You’re able to use something that you could feel and touch and physically see, and that it helps your brain feel better and your mood feel better.” Alyssa added, “Sometimes you’re like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t do this,’ but it also kind of makes me feel accomplished when I finally work through what I’ve done, and I’m like, ‘Yay!’