Three New Hampshire Camps Certified In Camp Mental Health

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Aug. 14, 2019 - PRLog -- This summer, Camp Gottalikeachallenge, Camp Mowglis, and Camp Wiyaka were certified by LEAD, Inc. on June 9, June 17, and June 24 respectively in Camp Mental Health (CMH) certification. Camp Mental Health certification is a 2.5-hour course that introduces camp counselors and staff to risk factors and warning signs of adolescent mental illness. It is the only early intervention course tailored to mental health challenges in the camp environment and designed to give camp counselors and staff an action plan to respond to both crisis and non-crisis situations.

LEAD intends to certify every American camp in CMH by 2025, as proactive mental health education of all camp staff is vital to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for campers and college-aged staff. The course was designed after LEAD's executives conducted research (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gmUdKhQ387zrnvVya7K1nEew02G9Vqk-9_6drT0we0A/edit?usp=sharing) on untreated mental illness in campers and discovered dangerous trends of limited support for staff and suicide attempts occurring at overnight camp.

As one in five youth suffers from a severe mental illness and 70% of youth with mental illness fail to receive treatment, every camp professional should be certified in Camp Mental Health certification (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HFFZZVSg5s_Pg_O_DtZKc...).

This week, LEAD is celebrating the certification of three camps in the state of New Hampshire: Camp Gottalikeachallenge, Camp Mowglis, and Camp Wiyaka!

Many of the camp counselors reported what they learned, felt, and took away from the course.

• "I feel more educated on the topic of mental illnesses, and I will be able to notice the signs and symptoms for my future as a camp counselor and as a citizen of society." -Camp Gottalikeachallenge Counselor
• "It brought the issue of mental health front and center and gave us concrete action steps to do if we encounter, or think we encounter a camper or staff member in a crisis." -Camp Mowglis Counselor
• "An engaging and dynamic way to learn about mental health issues." -Camp Wiyaka Counselor

LEAD looks forward to certifying more summer camps throughout the United States. If you would like more information about Camp Mental Health Certification, please contact Kyrah Altman, Exof LEAD, Inc. at 508-717-1243 or email at Kyrah@LEADnow.org.