Dr. Stephen Stotland, Ph.D., is taking his years of experience as a clinical psychologist off the couch and putting them on the mat - the exercise mat, that is. From the end of June through August, he and his team of psychologists, dieticians and exercise professionals are turning their offices and gym on Greene Avenue into a day camp. Designed to help kids get and stay fit, he calls the innovative program "Summercise."

"Summercise is all about helping children measurably improve their fitness and learn about nutrition and themselves in a safe, supportive, fun environment," says Dr. Stotland. "While regular day camps are great places for kids to be active during the summer, the Summercise program aims to give children the tools and motivation they need to maintain their newly learned good exercise and nutritional habits all year long."

According to Dr. Stotland, the children will participate in a wide variety of activities, including traditional aerobic exercise, weight training, swimming, cooking, crafts, group sessions, outdoor sports, field trips and the publishing of a cookbook. "Most of the time the kids will be working together in small groups so they can all benefit from personal attention. And as each session runs four weeks there will be plenty of opportunity for strong friendships to form, just like in a traditional camp."

A major difference between the Summercise program and other day camps is the professional staff. Dr. Stotland and his team not only designed the daily program but also will be actively involved within it as camp counselors. "Health isn't just about eating, or exercise or how you feel about yourself. It's about all of them, and the children who participate in Summercise will be supervised by people who are professionals in each area."

A father of two and former summer camp counselor, Dr. Stotland has been treating children, adolescents and adults with eating disorders and other weight issues for more than a decade. In June of 2003, he and his team opened the PsycheSoma Health and Wellness Centre. It offers a unique combination of psychology, nutrition and exercise for individuals of all ages who want to improve or maintain their mental and physical well-being. For example, after seeing to a patient's medical needs a family doctor might also recommend exercise, good nutrition and peace of mind. That can be difficult to coordinate. And even though psychologists, nutritionists and exercise specialists all acknowledge each other's important role, they hardly ever work as a team. Dr. Stotland says that with the opening of PsycheSoma, that's all changed. "I have been interested in the whole health mind and body connection for many years, and so have the members of the PsycheSoma team. While each of us has our own clients, we decided to get together formally and offer our services as a whole. Since we opened last year we've been able to provide coordinated, personally designed programs for clients interested in weight loss, stress reduction, chronic pain and more. The Summercise Program is a natural extension of this philosophy, and we hope the children who join us for fun and fitness this summer will take away skills that last their whole lives."

PsycheSoma
Mastering Mind and Body for Optimal Health