#USA #Kansas City #Youth Mental Health #Camp Fire #Anxiety Support

New Strategies for Camps to Tackle Youth Anxiety

As youth continue to navigate the complexities of growing up in today's world, new insights from a recent study conducted by Camp Fire highlight the pressing issue of rising anxiety among young people. Released just ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, this report sheds light on effective strategies camps can implement to create nurturing environments for youth.

The Weight of Growing Up

Today’s young campers are entering camp with various emotional challenges stemming from the global pandemic, school violence, and a heavily politicized atmosphere. This increasing burden has raised youth anxiety to public health levels, prompting youth organizations like Camp Fire to act decisively. Their latest report, titled Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being at Camp, is based on research conducted in Spring 2026 with staff and young participants across several Camp Fire affiliates.

The study specifically gathered insights from four Camp Fire affiliates: Camp Fire Alaska, Camp Fire Green Country in Oklahoma, and both Camp Fire Central Puget Sound and Camp Fire Samish in Washington. These affiliates were selected due to their commitment to mental health initiatives and demonstrated high well-being scores on surveys measuring staff and camper experiences.

Key Findings from the Study

The report outlines three crucial insights aimed at improving the mental health support framework within camps:

1. Intentionality Matters

Camps can support mental health in various ways, ranging from formal programs to small, meaningful practices. For instance, while some camps implement formal initiatives like MESH(+) training, others emphasize simple techniques, such as creating a 'Calm Corner'—a quiet space for campers to retreat. At Camp Fire Alaska, the staff engages with struggling campers by asking them, ‘Would you rather be helped, heard, or hugged?’ This approach emphasizes the importance of intentional communication, making support accessible regardless of a camp’s size or budget.

2. Staff Well-being is Key

Investing in the mental health of staff directly impacts their ability to support campers. Camps reporting low staff-to-camper ratios, regular check-ins, and ongoing feedback systems benefited from improved staff morale and retention. For instance, both Camp Fire Alaska and Camp Fire Green Country noticed significant increases in returning staff after introducing mental health supports.