Dr. Fortu Ben-Arroch, Director of the Child and Adolescent Post-Trauma Service at Hadassah Medical Center and expert on behalf of the Israeli Coalition for Trauma was recently interviewed in the Israeli daily Maariv by journalist Yuval Bagno. The challenge, he says, is how to best support traumatised children in the midst of war.
Dr Ben-Arroch and other experts from the Israel Trauma Coalition highlight the importance of summer camps for children, especially those who have experienced trauma. "Camp is an essential place for liberating and supportive social activity and is preferable to being stuck in front of screens, but it is important to choose the right framework for the child," they explain.
For children and adolescents dealing with stress and anxiety from trauma, attending summer camps can be challenging due to new environments and unfamiliar counsellors. Counsellors must identify signs of distress and provide appropriate support.
The Israeli Trauma Coalition, which brings together various institutions specialising in trauma treatment, resilience, and coping in emergency situations, believes that summer camps can help manage emotional stress. Dr. Fortu Ben-Arroch explains that while PTSD is uncommon, most children recover naturally due to normal coping mechanisms. However, it is crucial to understand and manage stress effectively.
"There are two key points for parents and camp leaders," says Ben-Arroch. "First, be aware that changes in behaviour can indicate difficulty coping with stress. Second, recognise risk factors to identify children who may struggle more." Risk factors include past emotional difficulties, family challenges, social adjustment issues, and exposure to multiple stressful events.
"For at-risk children, choosing the right camp is essential," explains Ben-Arroch. Camps with activities involving loud noises may not be suitable for sensitive children.
"Parents should avoid excessive anxiety, as it can stress the child," says Ben-Arroch. "Encourage normal activities while being attentive to their needs. With safe environments and healthy support, traumatic events can be processed healthily, remaining as memories rather than disorders."
Dr Ben-Arroch's centre at Hadassah includes specialised services for children and adolescents, tailored to meet the unique needs of this vulnerable population. The centre's commitment to readiness and adaptability ensures that it can respond effectively to emergencies and ongoing challenges, providing unwavering support to children and their families.
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