Psychological Care Camp at Olgapuri

Every spring, as the school year winds down and the holiday break begins, the Ankur Counseling Center team steps in with a unique and impactful initiative for the children at Olgapuri Children’s Village (OCV) — the Psychological Care (PC) Camp. Designed to provide both fun and growth, these camps create a supportive environment where children develop essential psychological skills through creativity, play, and hands-on activities.

Fostering Self-Awareness Through Engaging Themes

In 2024, the PC Camp focused on children in Grades 3-4, with the central theme of Self-Awareness. Over five enriching days, the camp explored different facets of self-understanding, encouraging children to connect deeply with their emotions, social relationships, and personal aspirations.

• Day 1: All About Me
  The camp kicked off with activities centered on self-discovery. Children shared their favorite things, discussed their roles and responsibilities within the Olgapuri family. As well as explored their feelings and learning healthy ways to regulate emotions.
• Day 2: My Social Circle
  The focus shifted to relationships, with discussions about their biological families, Olgapuri family, and friendships. Through storytelling and drawing family portraits, children reflected on cherished memories and the importance of connection.
• Day 3: Knowing Myself
  Activities like mask-making helped children differentiate between their public and private selves. They also explored the concept of the real vs. ideal self, promoting self-acceptance and authenticity.
• Day 4: Loving Myself
  A day dedicated to self-compassion, children engaged in mirror exercises, practicing positive self-talk and affirmations. They identified personal strengths, celebrated physical features and qualities, and highlighted meaningful aspects of their lives.
• Day 5: My Dreams, Hopes, and Wishes
  The camp concluded with collage-making sessions, allowing children to visualize their dreams and aspirations. A reflective review of the camp helped consolidate their learning experiences.

At the camp’s closing, each child received a “strength name” — a title reflecting the positive qualities and behaviors they exhibited throughout the week. This recognition not only boosted their self-esteem but also reinforced their unique identities within the Olgapuri community.

Creative Activities for Holistic Growth

Undoubtedly, the PC Camp activities were designed to be interactive and meaningful. From crafting masks to symbolize different aspects of the self, to engaging in clay work for self-expression and healing, every exercise was thoughtfully curated to enhance emotional intelligence. Moreover, storytelling sessions, family portrait drawings, and hands-on projects helped children internalize lessons in a fun, memorable way.

Ankur Counseling Center: A Pillar of Mental Health Support

Beyond the annual PC Camp, the Ankur Counseling Center plays a vital role in the day-to-day lives of Olgapuri children. The center offers individual and group counseling, skills workshops, and support for house parents. Mental health care is seamlessly integrated into the children’s routines, fostering strong, healthy habits from an early age.

Following the profound loss of NYF’s founder, Olga Murray, in February 2024, Ankur’s role became even more critical. Olga, a beloved grandmother figure to many at Olgapuri, left an indelible mark on the hearts of the children. The Ankur team organized age-appropriate group sessions to help the children process their grief, complemented by a private memorial event where children shared heartfelt memories of Olga.

These efforts not only supported the children through their mourning but also reinforced the stability and permanence of Olgapuri as their home. The compassionate approach taken by Ankur and the Olgapuri team has proven instrumental in helping the children navigate this emotional journey with resilience and hope.

Building Trust, One Camp at a Time

Psychological Care Camps at Olgapuri are more than just seasonal activities; they are integral to NYF’s commitment to holistic child development. By addressing emotional well-being alongside physical health and education, these camps help children build confidence, develop coping strategies, and foster a sense of belonging.

Through Ankur Counseling Center’s dedicated efforts, Olgapuri remains a nurturing oasis where every child can thrive, heal, and dream.

NYF is so grateful to our generous donors for helping us provide a healthy upbringing for the remarkable kids at Olgapuri Children’s Village. Watching these kids grow and thrive is such a privilege for our team—and it creates incredible opportunities for the future for each child. Dhanyabad!