A Week to Breathe: Giving Teens the Freedom to Play

WRITTEN BY CHANDLER JOINER

It’s no secret that teenagers are struggling. A look at the National Center for Health Statistics reveals staggering data on U.S. adolescents (ages 12–17) experiencing anxiety and depression. Teens face immense pressure to earn good grades while juggling packed schedules filled with sports, drama, debate, babysitting, after-school jobs and endless activities meant to help them succeed. At the same time, they feel the weight of growing up too fast, especially in this new era of technology, where the pressure to mature quickly and successfully is ever-present.

Something happens in those years between ages 10 and 15, when all of a sudden kids feel that the weight of the world is on their shoulders. A day in the life of a high schooler is focused on linear growth, excelling in chosen extracurriculars while balancing the unending social pressures of being a teen.

Now, imagine a day when they wake up and simply eat too many pancakes. Then, they get to choose how to spend their time—splashing in the Gallatin River, playing gaga ball, weaving intricate friendship bracelets, building tree forts, climbing mountains. They don’t check their phones because there’s no service. There are no assignments, no deadlines and no rigid schedules—just the freedom to play capture the flag before dinner. It’s an environment where friendships form naturally, and everyone is given permission to embrace the joy of being a kid again.

For young kids, summer camp is a place to explore and channel their energy and creativity. But for teenagers, a week away from schedules and societal pressures isn’t just a break—it could be essential for their mental health.

Camp is for all ages—after all, making a mess has no age limit–that’s why Rockhaven created Adventure Leadership, a new camp for ages 15 to 16. Adventure Leadership is designed for senior campers who want the freedom to play and explore, without the pressure of doing too much. Older campers benefit from more stimulation and direction, and this week of camp strikes the perfect balance between adventure, relaxation and leadership growth. It gives teens the space to recharge while still engaging in meaningful experiences.

Campers will explore environmental topics, team building, Leave No Trace principles, game leadership and spiritual growth. Adventure Leadership is perfect for teens with an adventurous and creative spirit who want to rediscover the joy of childhood play. They’ll go whitewater rafting, zip lining and hiking—balanced with completely unstructured moments to simply sit by the river, take in the scenery and chat about life.

Older campers are eager for bigger adventures and more trust, and Adventure Leadership provides this opportunity while preserving the magic of being a kid. Everyone from age 6 to 16 deserves the chance to embrace a camp name, eat too many s’mores, hear too many cheesy jokes and create memories that last a lifetime. Summer camp is a small way to help alleviate the academic pressure and social expectations placed on teens – even if only for one week.

Chandler Joiner is the Director for Rockhaven Camp and Retreat Center, located on Gallatin Road between Bozeman and Big Sky. Chandler is passionate about the personal connections created at summer camp and the transformative power of spending time outdoors.