Texas Border Business
With the unfortunate rise of mental health challenges and corresponding societal stigmas affecting youth & teens today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pharr – San Juan is doing “Whatever it Takes” to make great changes and break down barriers in its communities. The organization’s Behavioral Health Support Services Program was developed in full dedication to the mission of providing mental health prevention, promotion, and early intervention services to children, teens and families. Every Summer the BHSS Department hosts an annual Teen Mental Camp designed to enrich and empower teens with wellbeing focused strategies and techniques needed to conquer the waves of life.
“Courageously You: Mindful Choices, Brighter Voices” was the inspiring theme of the 4th annual BHSS Teen Mental Health Camp held during the last summer session of 2024 at the beautiful Boys Scouts Camp Perry. For 3 days, 55 participants, ranging from 11-17 years of age, gathered in a supportive environment to connect with peers, embrace their true selves, and build brighter futures through mindfulness and self-awareness centered activities. Sessions were led by BHSS professionals (Social Workers, Counselors and Licensed Therapists) who carefully selected prevalent topics sure to bring great value to attendees as they navigate today’s world including:
• Building a Coping Skills Toolkit
• Self Esteem: Be You, Love You
• Mental Health & Substance Use
• Speak & Listen: Mastering Healthy Communication
• Healthy Ties: Why Healthy Relationships Matter
• Navigating Social Connections
• Emotional Quest: Balancing and Managing emotions
• You Matter: Support Through Crisis – Suicide prevention
Thanks to the support of Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan Staff, campers were also able to engage in the traditional fun filled camp experience with adventurous activities such as archery, biking, campfire & s’more’s making, arts & crafts, swimming, and karaoke. Every moment of the weekend was carefully thought of to create memories and build skillsets for healthy emotional processes.
Zaira Villarreal, Director of the Behavioral Support Services Program, who spearheaded this event commented:
“At the core of our annual Teen Mental Health Camp is a simple truth: every teen deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. This camp provides a safe space where they can grow, connect, and understand that they are not alone in their struggles. This camp is more than just a gathering—it’s a transformative experience that empowers our teens to embrace their individuality and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Witnessing the growth and resilience of our teen campers, I’m reminded of the profound impact our community can have when we come together. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this experience so meaningful. Each year we hold this camp, we reaffirm the power of support, connection, and understanding in shaping brighter futures.”
Camp attendees expressed their thoughts on the experience:
“Through the Teen Mental Health Camp, I learned that you matter no matter what. I also really enjoyed being able to socialize and make new friends from other BGCPSJ Units.”-Jeziah,M.
“I enjoyed the whole Teen Mental Health Camp experience and would go back again next year! I learned how to value myself and my self-esteem.” –Saul, P.
“My whole camp experience was fun! I was able to learn about managing emotions, the importance of communication and how to communicate. I also enjoyed all the fun hands on activities and making new friends!” –Abby,P.
The Boys & Girls Club of Pharr- San Juan and the Behavioral Health Support Services Program would like to extend gratitude to all who helped support and bring this impactful event together. Opportunities such as these provide immeasurable value to the well-being and future of community youth & teens.
To register a youth or teen at Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan for the Fall 2024 Afterschool Program operating every weekday from 3pm-8pm, contact any of the four club sites – Main Unit (956.781.5437), South Pharr Unit (956.787.6869), San Juan Unit (956.784. 3504) and Valley View Unit (956.223.1779). For more information on how to support the organization through monetary, in kind services, goods, or the like contact Chief Executive Officer, Alfredo Mata, Jr. 956.781.KIDS or visit pharrkids.org. The Boys and Girls Club of Pharr is a proud United Way of South Texas Agency.
