Empowering Young Minds Through Creative Self-Expression

Stress is a natural part of growing up, but for many children it can feel overwhelming. School pressures, social dynamics, and external expectations can create stress that goes beyond young people’s ability to cope, leading to a troubling rise in anxiety and depression.

In response, creative outlets have emerged as vital lifelines, offering children ways to manage stress and express their emotions in healthier ways. These activities not only provide relief but also empower kids to process their feelings constructively.

Understanding this, Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® (BCBS) companies are partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America nationally to promote mental health and well-being. The goal of the initiative is to provide support to clubs scaling their trauma-informed training for staff members. As part of the program, each independent BCBS plan is matched with a local club that they can support through volunteerism.

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is collaborating with Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, with the goal of offering volunteer activities that foster well-being and inspire youth to thrive. These efforts complement the national partnership and have a direct impact on the local Philadelphia club and the children they serve.

Fostering Creativity and Fun

In the summer of 2024, IBX worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia staff to organize a volunteer project at the Germantown Club that promoted physical and emotional health for summer camp participants. It included a variety of field-day activities and crafts centered on mindfulness and well-being.

Assisted by Bue Crew volunteers, the campers enjoyed a Field Day packed with games like cornhole and inflatable bowling, along with back-to-school crafts such as journal creation, canvas decorating, and sensory bottle making.

As Libby Lescalleet, Executive Vice President of Programs, Partnerships, and Development at Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, notes, “The more outlets we continue to give our kids, the better it’s going to be. Infusing additional mental health resources supports them as they navigate various challenges and helps them become better young people.”

Activities such as art, journaling, and physical exercise can play a key role in boosting emotional well-being. These creative pursuits allow children to connect more deeply with their emotions, giving them a safe space to explore their inner thoughts.

Building the Toolbox

Whether the goal is helping children deal with social pressures, easing their academic stress, or simply enabling them to focus on their emotional well-being, there are some best-practice tools and exercises that can make a difference, including:

1. Journaling

For children who enjoy writing, keeping a journal lets them express their thoughts and feelings freely. This reflective practice provides valuable perspective and fosters well-being.

2. Drawing

For kids who find verbal expression difficult, drawing can be a powerful outlet. It gives them a creative way to express their emotions and process challenging situations.

3. Creating sensory bottles

Filling sensory bottles with calming elements, like glitter or small objects, can help children refocus during stressful moments. Watching the slow movement of the contents within the bottle can have a soothing effect, making it easier for young people to regulate their emotions.

4. Mindfulness activities

Simple breathing exercises and guided imagery can help children ground themselves during times of heightened stress. These activities teach them how to calm their bodies and minds, fostering emotional regulation.

5. Physical activity

Movement is one of the best ways to foster well-being. Encouraging children to get outside, run, jump, and play helps release endorphins that boost their moods and lower their stress levels.

A Collective Effort

While introducing tools like these is essential, it’s only part of the bigger picture. IBX is committed to making behavioral health services easier for our members to access, with proven evidence-based approaches for children, adolescents, and families. With our rapidly expanding network, members can make an appointment with a quality provider in less than a week.

Mental health isn’t an individual journey; it requires the support of family, educators, and the community. Parents, caregivers, and teachers play a pivotal role, and it’s crucial to equip them with the resources and knowledge they need to support children’s mental health effectively.

Achieving equitable whole-person health is a core part of our mission at IBX. And by supporting Boys & Girls Clubs to help younger generations navigate mental health challenges now, we can establish an important foundation for them to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives as adults.

For more information about mental health, self-care strategies, and where to find help, visit ibx.com/knowyourmind.