Choices

Reclaimed Hope Initiative's Executive Director, Allison Spillman, provides insight on this week's camp mantra: Choices and Compromises. Watch the video to learn more.

At Camp Hope, when both options offered are safe and supportive, it becomes a win/win. Campers can reframe their outlook to focus on the goal being accomplished, not how, when, or how long it takes to get there.

Allison explains how offering simple, intentional choices can build trust and offer regulation. Examples include:

• With assistance: “Would you like to clean up the blocks by yourself or can I help you?”

• Time-bound: “Would you like to clean up the blocks now or in five minutes?”

• Play-based: “Would you like to clean up the blocks fast like a cheetah or slow like a turtle?”

• Attachment-focused: “Would you like a piggyback ride to music or to walk next to me?”

Choices and compromises aren’t just tools; they often become bridges to deeper relationships, individual growth, and shared joy.