The Burrow Foundation Helps with Summertime Fun!

A two-year grant courtesy of the Joe Burrow Foundation allowed Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) to offer a summer camp through our school-based services program.

The two-week camp provided funding for staff, food, transportation, field trips, and activities for underprivileged children in the St. Bernard Elmwood Place school system.

According to Carlie Yersky, Director of School-Based Services for GCBHS, without the Burrow Foundation’s support, these children would not have been able to have these experiences. “These are kids whose families do not have the luxury of being able to go to Kings Island or the Aquarium, or even a local pool – things many of us take for granted. 

"It was a very good experience for me. I got to do stuff that I never did before, like tour the Reds stadium! I learned a lot too, like how to communicate better with people. They teach you in a way where it's fun." - Olivia, 8th grade

Carlie and her team also used these field trips to weave in social/emotional lessons to assist with self-esteem, social comfort, and overall well-being in addressing mental health. The camp also took the opportunity to allay fears for those students transitioning from elementary to jr. high by introducing them to new friends/classmates and exposing them to new buildings so they had time to build familiarity. 

The key, says Carlie, is to “...incorporate mental health lessons and support into fun activities that they otherwise would never have been able to experience.” The students were also able to tour the Great American Ballpark, play laser tag, take a painting class, go to the movies, and experience a trampoline park!