Unit Manager Rodriguez and Counselor Bleem assist with the Summer Games while inmates participated in a ring toss game, one of the many events held during the week.
The SCI Cambridge Springs Residential Treatment Unit (RTU) hosted its first ever Summer Games.
Thanks to Therapeutic Activities Social Worker Molczan and Corrections Counselor 2 Bleem, who organized and set this event in motion, the women participated in team games such as egg relays, solo cup tic-tac-toe race, card stacking, ring toss, bean bag toss, Jenga, Domino Designs, BINGO and all ending with an obstacle course. The inmates had inside and outside games and Unit Manager Rodriguez, Psychological Services Specialist McLellan and Certified Peer Specialist workers provided movies, games and support for the women who were not playing at that time.
In true therapeutic form, the ladies were asked a series of questions during the games to teach team spirit as well as learning about healthy activities that don't involve drug or alcohol use or criminal activity and promote mental stability and overall wellness. They were asked questions about teamwork, healthy coping skills and the benefits of exercise and movement.
The ladies had three days of healthy fun and competition while they worked together. Singing, cheering and laughing could be heard around the unit and yard from the ladies playing and watching. It was great to see the women who were not playing at the time root on their fellow inmates and feel good about what they were involved in.