Small Change, Big Impact: Our Summer Camp "Zen Den"

Welcome to Summer Camp's newest addition: the Zen Den! When Summer Camp Staff saw a need to create an inclusive and calming space for students to take a break from the excitement of camp, they transformed our Green Room into a relaxation destination. Adding on to the typical infirmary and first-aid facility, the Zen Den supports both campers' physical and mental health. Learn from Education staff about the process of creating the Zen Den and the positive impact it has already had on campers this summer!

The Intention

As part of our Strategic Initiatives, we wanted to focus on making intentional changes that will have a positive impact on our community. One change that we thought could be extremely beneficial was in regards to our youth students and their mental health and well being. When working with any large group of students, we see a diverse collection of individuals including many neurotypical and neurodivergent students. 

We saw a need to create an inclusive and calming space for students that need a break from the excitement of Summer Camp. Whether it be just for a quiet break after being overstimulated in a Woodworking class with all kinds of hammering noises, finding a private space to talk to a teacher about some frustrations with the creative process, a space to rest when feeling tired and hot after being out in the sun, or space for when things just don't feel right - we were inspired to transform our typical camp infirmary into also what we call… a Zen Den! 

The Process

The goal of creating a Zen Den space began back in 2025 when members of the Summer Camp Administrative team went through additional training on best practices for supporting youth mental health and well being. Included in these training was a certification program for Youth Mental Health First Aid. These training sessions made the team consider what changes could be made to better support our students.

As a licensed Massachusetts Summer Camp, we are required to have an accessible space designated as an infirmary or first-aid facility, but rather than continue to just make the space a first aid room, we decided to take intentional steps to create a more welcoming and calming space so we could better support both campers physical and mental health. 

The first step was on conducting research into what tools were best suited and how we can transform the space. 

Our camp infirmary is located in our Black Box Green Room. During the theatrical production season, The Umbrella Stage Company uses this space for actors to get ready to go on stage for their best performance, so it seems only fitting that is should also be used during the summer months to help make students feel better and go make friends, showcase their unique skills, talents and personalities. But, ultimately it is a space meant for putting on costumes, make-up and getting ready for a show - so the challenge became how to transform the space without making any major structural changes. We look at the space in three distinct sections: The Counter Area, The Window Nook, and The Rest Area

The Counter

The counter serves as the central workspace for camp staff while keeping first aid supplies, fidget toys, and sensory tools organized and within easy reach. These calming resources are available to support children experiencing anxiety or emotional dysregulation, providing comfort during difficult moments. A sand timer helps staff monitor the amount of time children spend in the space, while a tabletop fountain introduces gentle movement and sound to promote relaxation and emotional regulation.

The Window Nook

The window nook and sofa create a welcoming corner where children can take a quiet break from the busy camp environment. Surrounded by natural light and views of the outdoors, the space encourages children to slow down, observe nature, and regain a sense of calm. Whether they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need a moment to rest, this area provides a peaceful and reassuring atmosphere.

The Rest Area

The folding bed and sofa provides a comfortable place for campers who are feeling sick or require basic first aid. To maintain a clean and sanitary environment, disposable pillows and bed sheets are used for each child. Soft LED string lighting and star projectors on the ceiling transform the room into a soothing environment, helping children feel safe, relaxed, and supported as they recover both physically and emotionally.

General Space changes:

• Calm Lighting - string lights and low lighting instead of over head lights
• Natural calming colors such as green and tan
• Greenery / Nature - paper flowers, vine garland
• Pillows and soft materials 

Full List of Tools:

• Fidget Tools
• Tactile Sensory Tools - texture stones, pocket sized textural pillows for self soothing
• Building Blocks - engages the mind in a calming, repetitive, and creative process
• Tactical Grounding Tools - Squishy Toys, Jelly Tools
• Noise Reducing Headphones
• Break timers in the form of hour glasses - providing a visual countdown
• Breathing Technique Resources - breathing cloud, box breathing pillow, breathing technique resource guide
• Emotions Pillow - for students in dysregulation allow them to process their emotions and share them with supportive staff if gone nonverbal. 
• Stretchy Ball

The Results

After just a few weeks of implementing the Zen Den space, we saw it making a positive impact on our campers and our summer camp staff / volunteers. Most staff reported bringing campers to the Zen Den at a minimum once a week, but many of them said that select campers need the space more and those campers are utilizing the Zen Den daily. 

One of our Summer Camp Assistant Teachers recounted a time that a tool from the Zen Den was extremely beneficial: “I had one kid that was very upset about something that occurred during snack, we used the emotion pillow to talk about it. It did help her and it allowed me to solve what had occurred.”

It has been amazing to see how the research and training done over the past year can be put into practice. The changes that were made were small but created a big impact for the summer camp staff and volunteers to better support our campers. One parent shared that their child “did not know about the Zen Den, but [after explaining it to their child, the child said] it sounds nice.” Not only is creating the space important, but so is making sure everyone is aware of the space. We are taking active steps to make sure all staff, volunteers, and campers are aware of this space that they can access it anytime they need to - and now you are, too!

Learn more about Summer Arts Camp at The Umbrella: TheUmbrellaArts.org/summer