Camp Meet Me in Middle Helps Kids Develop Coping Skills

Photos courtesy Volunteers for Mental Health

Questions: Can lightning strike twice in the same place, and who would ever wish for that to happen?

Answers: Yes, and Volunteers for Mental Health! 

This type of lightning might be called love-lightning, and that is why it is so desirable. 

When Volunteers for Mental Health received their first hit of love-lightning, it was a cold January day that evolved into a hot and happy summer event.  

The Douglas Family and Central Indiana Rubber Products had conducted a December promotion that resulted in the funding VMHMC needed to run its summer intermediate camp to help fifth- and sixth-graders develop the coping and self-regulation skills to survive the challenges of middle school.

The successful camp was held in July 2025 and directed by local therapist Jamie Selby of Mesa Waa Gii.  The campers have continued to meet regularly during the academic year for dinner, discussion, activities, and reflection.  

The camp and follow- up activities have been entirely free thanks to the Douglas Family and Central Indiana Rubber Products.

Could such generosity strike twice?  Yes, when the Douglas family and friends, CIRP and the Amanda Douglas Memorial put their hearts and minds to it! This coalition of loving and caring individuals have again offered to sponsor the intermediate camp, plus a variety of other mental health activities in Montgomery County!

Registration for the 2026 Meet Me in the Middle Camp will be open through June 8.  The number of campers is limited to a maximum of 18.   The free camp will be held again at the Montgomery County Boys and Girls Club and will meet for four consecutive afternoons on July 21, 22, 23, and 24. Jamie Selby will again share her extraordinary talents through a series of middle-level experiences and activities over the four afternoons.  

In addition, Selby will be joined by master speakers who will bring focused content and activities for the middle-schoolers.

Parents who are hoping to help their current fifth or sixth graders find the answers to middle school can obtain more information and register their students through June 8 by visiting the VMHMC website, www.vmhmc.org and clicking on the Meet Me in the Middle camp logo.   

Information inquiries can also be e-mailed to dbw@vmhmc.org