How Summer Camps Are Adapting to a Youth Mental Health Crisis

The report, conducted with Informed Change, highlights a shift in the camper experience. Staff at affiliates like Camp Fire Alaska and Camp Fire Green Country report that children are increasingly burdened by political instability, the lingering effects of pandemic-era isolation, and complex identity-related anxieties. At some locations, the demographic of neurodivergent youth has climbed significantly, with 82% of campers at the Oklahoma affiliate identifying on the autism spectrum.

Rather than relying solely on clinical interventions, the study emphasizes a continuum of care. Simple, deliberate habits—such as designated quiet zones or giving campers the choice to be helped, heard, or hugged—provide immediate relief. These practices work alongside formal training like the MESH(+) Seal to stabilize the camp environment.

Investing in staff well-being has emerged as a primary driver of success. Camps that implemented consistent check-ins and mental health support for counselors saw higher retention rates and more empathetic engagement with campers. Ultimately, the research suggests that the most effective tool is a listening adult who avoids rushing to provide solutions. By prioritizing these human-centric approaches, Camp Fire aims to scale these findings to support 250,000 young people nationwide under its current strategic plan.