Responding to Rising Stress
Mental Health in Camps: From Unprepared to Proactive
The Challenge
In one summer, a network of five camps went from zero to thirteen mental health incidents.
Staff and volunteers were unprepared—and the organization had no protocol to guide their response.
The Response:
Developed and implemented a clear, compassionate mental health strategy
Mental Health First Aid certification + instruction
Preventive training on stress recognition + planning
Written protocols for responding to mental health incidents
Ongoing partnership with mental health professionals
“Campers and volunteers felt seen, supported, and safe. That’s the power of clear planning and care-driven leadership.”
The Results:
Mental health incidents returned to pre-2019 levels
Volunteers and staff engaged meaningfully in Mental Health First Aid training
Stress awareness became part of annual camp staff onboarding
National recognition:
Presented at the National Outdoor Conference
Authored the national training curriculum for mental health in camp settings
The Takeaway
When people are equipped, they show up ready.
We help build systems that support human well-being—because emotional safety is essential to mission success.