The annual Renovations Anger Management Camping Trip took place on September 8th and 9th at Table Rock Lake. The idea to establish an annual community outing to provide normalcy for a large group of individuals served on a camping trip started after the “Day at The Lake Shore Cleanup” event in 2010. The first official ‘Anger Management Camping Trip’ occurred in 2011. The goal of Anger Management is to reduce negative behaviors and learn to use coping skills and take direction.
A group of male and female consumers and their staff went to the Cricket Creek Campground. Everyone was able to participate in regular camp-out activities like setting up tents, hiking, fishing, swimming, roasting hot dogs, and telling stories around the campfire. For many, this was a first time event. It has been a huge success and the gentlemen and ladies in Anger Management look forward to it every year. The camping trip provides an open and safe environment for positive social exchanges among all involved. As the clients and staff work in unison to tackle different camping responsibilities, e.g., setting up tents, cleaning up campground, and cooking the meals; the separation between ‘staff’ and ‘client’ minimizes to establish a working relationship.
This year, we had a large group of staff, Program Supervisors, Team Managers, and even some courageous members of Cornerstone Psychological Services went along and helped make the trip a huge success. “The best part of the trip was to see everyone enjoying themselves despite the rainy weather and getting connect with others they normally do not interact with,” stated Brittney Rains, cornerstone psychological services office manager. “We always look forward to this annual event.”
