Mental Health Services in a Camp Setting: Choices, Challenges, Change

The prevalence of mental health issues among youth, with nearly half meeting diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder and suicide being a leading cause of death, underscores the urgency for effective intervention (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Summer camps, hosting millions of children annually, are urged by the American Camp Association to establish mental health support, ranging from trained counselors to licensed therapists (ACA, 2009; 2022). At the 2023 National Scout Jamboree, mental health services were offered for the first time. During the Jamboree, 82 participants received individual or group mental health services in the Mental Health Clinic. The current article presents a comprehensive overview of the mental health services provided at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree to provide insights into the nature of these mental health services and propose practical recommendations that can guide the incorporation of mental health support in future camp settings. Additionally, the current study contributes to the broader understanding of mental health in camp environments and provides a practical 3-tier model for use within a camp setting. Results emphasize the need for effective time-limited interventions and support to youth in camp settings. To expand on the findings of this paper, the authors plan to conduct an additional study to provide a model of care to be implemented in future camp settings. They also plan to explore how education and training can be used across groups (i.e., peers, adult leaders, and community volunteers) to improve access to mental health resources for those attending camp.